Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime

KILLER DENIED BID FOR PAROLE

6 February 2009 - Collins Bay Institution, Kingston, Ontario - The Petrie family is relieved this evening that the National Parole Board denied day or full parole to second-degree murderer, Craig Nickason. The three members of the Board who presided over the hearing believe Nickason remains a risk to public safety.

During the hearing, the victim's uncle, mother and sister read heart-breaking victim impact statements out loud, detailing how Jason Petrie was beaten with a hammer, had battery acid poured down his throat and was tortured before his body was first buried in a shallow grave, then later moved to a much deeper one in the woods. The killer was not arrested until three years after he committed this horrific crime, covering it up and allowing the victim's family to believe that he was missing and may still be alive.

Attending in support of the family, the CRCVC was equally relieved by this denial, especially after hearing details of Nickason's very poor institutional conduct throughout the last thirteen years including violent behaviour toward inmates and correctional staff and continued abuse of drugs and alcohol.

While the family is satisfied with the result for the time being, their relief is temporary. They know they will have to face the killer at least every two years, as the National Parole Board is mandated to consider his case. Working in conjunction with many families impacted by homicide, the CRCVC hopes to make the government realize how emotionally draining and difficult these hearings are for survivors. We will continue to push to amend current laws to stipulate that convicted murderers only have parole hearings every five years after reaching their parole eligibility dates.