High-risk offender back in Waterloo Region community

A high-risk offender convicted of manslaughter has been released again. CTV’s Krista Simpson reports.

A man who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his roommate in 2023 is back on the streets.

Kevin Koehler, now 60, was released from federal custody after completing his sentence on Oct. 16, 2025.

However, his freedom was short-lived as he was rearrested the next day for breaching the conditions of his release. Namely, a stipulation that he could not purchase or consume alcohol or controlled substances.

After his arrest, Koehler appeared in court to answer to the allegations. The court was told less than five-and-a-half hours after his release, he went to an LCBO on Victoria Street in Kitchener and bought a one litre bottle of fortified wine. He pleaded guilty to a breach of recognizance of Dec. 5.

Justice Dominique Kennedy then sentenced him to six months behind bars, less time already served, adding up to approximately three months.

On Friday, the Waterloo Regional Police Service said he had been released back into the community.

He must follow several restrictions, including abiding by a curfew and, once again, abstaining from buying or consuming alcohol or controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician.

In a media release, police said they believe Koehler poses a significant risk to public safety and he remains a high risk to reoffend or breach the terms set out by the court.

A history of violence

Koehler’s manslaughter conviction stems from the death of his roommate, Mary Anne May.

He admitted to fatally choking her in September 2013.

“I was just going into her room to scare her, but it was me who ended up scared because of the outcome,” he said.

The two were living together in an apartment on Margaret Avenue, but were not romantically involved.

Court documents showed the building was known to police for its connections to drugs, prostitution and other crimes – but May lived there only out of financial need, and wasn’t known to be connected with any criminal activity.

Eventually, Koehler’s girlfriend began living in the apartment as well – something police believed led to the growing problem between Koehler and May.

May had repeatedly asked her landlord to remove the girlfriend from the apartment.

On Sept. 18, 2013, according to a police investigator’s report, May came home to find Koehler and his girlfriend drinking and playing loud music.

She locked herself in her room, then called and texted the landlord repeatedly.

The landlord suggested she contact police, although there is no record of that happening.

Police believe it was shortly after that call Koehler killed May – then wrapped her body in blankets, loaded her into a child’s bike trailer and attempted to dispose of her remains.

Investigators looking into May’s death spoke with several people who claimed Koehler boasted about killing May, often while impaired by alcohol or drugs.