Peter Pennett, one of two men who shot and killed a Sudbury police officer in October 1993, has been granted a six-month extension of his day parole. Pennett, now 61, shot and killed Const. Joe McDonald who had pulled him over, along with his accomplice, Clinton Suzack. Suzack died in 2024 at the age of 59. McDonald was shot seven times in a crime that shocked the city. Pennett was found guilty of first-degree murder in March 1995 and sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. “Multiple victim statements on file describe the profound and ongoing grief, loss and suffering they have experienced,” said the documentation from the Parole Board of Canada. “The family requests that you be prohibited from any contact with them and from entering certain geographic areas.” Pennett, who is from Garden River First Nation, was eventually moved to minimum security in 2016, and tested positive for THC in January 2020. He was allowed out on several temporary escorted absences, then a work release and a 60-day unescorted temporary absence before being released on day parole for six months in October 2023. As part of his release, Pennett was banned from contacting any of the victims, was not allowed in certain geographical areas, had to follow his treatment plan and was banned from consuming alcohol or drugs. His day parole has been extended five times since then. Most recently in April of this year. “The board authorized expanded overnight leave privileges of up to four nights a week,” the parole board said. “You have been engaging with an Elder and community-based Indigenous resources.” Works as a dishwasher, handyman He works about 20 hours a week as a handyman, and applied for – but failed to get – a job in construction. In July, he began working about 20 hours a week as a dishwasher. He began staying at an apartment he is renting for four nights a week, and a police check in September confirmed he was abiding by the conditions of his release. “Your (parole officer) reports that you have presented as very transparent and willing to express your emotions in an open and honest manner,” the board said. Continued frustration “You have continued to express frustration about being unable to live with your family in the area of your geographical restriction, though also appear to understand victim considerations. You wish to seek a solution that will meet the needs of everyone involved.” In extending Pennett’s parole, the board said it wants to see him get “sustained and reliable employment so you can support yourself on full parole.” “They would also like to see you demonstrate continued stability with extended leave passes to your apartment.” He was also granted overnight leave passes for five nights a week, helping him with his “gradual reintegration while still subject to supervision.” Pennett is still banned from drinking or taking any drugs, associating with anyone with a criminal record, contacting anyone from McDonald’s family and must stay out of the Greater Sudbury area and Algoma District. “As noted above, the victim’s family has suffered immensely,” the board said. “This condition serves to protect them from further trauma.”
