Parole Board denies day release for Saskatoon man who murdered Indigenous woman

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations questions why Kenneth MacKay was allowed day parole.

The following story contains graphic details

A Saskatoon man serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of an Indigenous woman 24 years ago has been denied day parole.

Kenneth MacKay was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Crystal Paskemin in December of 2000.

Crystal Paskemin Crystal Paskemin was 21 years old when she was killed by Kenneth MacKay.

MacKay killed Paskemin after the two met at a Saskatoon bar.

At trial, the Crown prosecutor argued MacKay tried to have sex with her, and after a struggle, punched her and later drove over her with his truck. Her burned body was found on the outskirts of the city.

MacKay was granted day parole in January 2023, but it was revoked after his case manager learned he was harassing a woman at work.

“In September your [case manager] learned you had been persistently pursuing a female co-worker and had attended her residence, contrary to an imposed special condition,” the Parole Board of Canada wrote in its Feb. 18 decision.

“Your interest in her was unreciprocated and continued even after she blocked your number, leading her to report harassment to the police.”

Kenneth MacKay Kenneth MacKay leaving Saskatoon Court of King’s bench, handcuffed in a police vehicle, in February 2002.

In its review of his institutional history and behaviour, the parole board noted MacKay had made progress on his risk factors over the years.

“While the Board acknowledges progress in your case, it also notes that during community-based programming you did not sufficiently implement lessons learned in programming, you engaged in concerning behaviours including not being forthright with your parole supervisor, and upon return to institutional programming you were assessed as still needing improvement in four of your five risk factors,” the board wrote.

The parole board said MacKay was hoping to be released to Vancouver Island if approved for day parole, since he had family in the area that could provide support, but no community residential facilities nearby offered accommodation.

“Your release plan is insufficient to manage your assessed risk to reoffend. Consequently, the board concludes you present an undue risk to society and your release will not facilitate your reintegration as a law-abiding citizen.”