A photo taken of Larry McDougald in 2015, outside Court of King's Bench. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Convicted murderer granted unescorted visits with family

Apr 28, 2023 | 1:00 PM

A man who received a life sentence after murdering his son is taking the first steps of being re-integrated back into the community.

The National Parole Board has granted Larry McDougald’s application for unescorted temporary absences (UTA). The 75-year-old is currently serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

The case dates back to Oct. 2013, when McDougald’s son hired two people to help him remove property he had purchased from McDougald’s farm.

Upon noticing the individuals and thinking they were thieves, McDougald then shot his son twice, killing him. McDougald claimed not to know it was his son until after the shots were fired. According to the parole board’s report obtained by paNOW, to this day maintains he was being attacked and has not taken accountability for his violent actions. Upon McDougald’s sentencing in 2015, parole eligibility was set at eight years.

According to the parole board’s decision, there’s a number of victim impact statements on file, and speak to emotional and physical suffering incurred by family members, as well a history of violence McDougald perpetrated against different family members over a period of time.

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“The most recent Victim Impact Statement dated February 25, 2023, speaks to their opposition to UTAs and requests that the Board revoke the UTAs claiming that you have no remorse for your actions and have never accepted responsibility for the murder.”

To McDougald’s credit, however, he had no criminal record prior to the murder conviction, and while in custody, has participated in numerous medical and escorted temporary absences (ETAS). He’s also had some family contact ETA’s and a community service ETA. There were no issues reported in all cases.

“The most recent Psychological Risk Assessment completed in August 2022 re-affirms the previous assessments, namely that you present a low risk to re-offend, and that you would benefit from the proposed reintegration plan currently on file that includes UTAs,” the parole board said.

In their decision, the parole board noted the case has fragmented the family, adding that while some family speak out against McDougald’s release, other family members have maintained close contact with him.

The duration of the UTA is 72 hours each, including travel time over a period of six months. McDougald is also responsible for arranging his own transportation with those family members who are pre-approved. Upon returning to the institution, he will be required to provide a written account of his activities.

Providing further explanation as to why they are granting McDougald’s application, the parole board said he does present an undue risk to society during the absence; it is desirable for him to be absent from the institution for rehabilitative/personal development reasons; McDougald’s behaviour has been appropriate, and a structured plan including specific objectives to be achieved has been prepared.

“The intent of the UTAs is to gain further credibility and take further steps towards the eventual application for conditional release later in 2023.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell