Parole board changes release conditions for convicted Waterloo killer

The Parole Board of Canada has removed almost all of the conditions placed on a woman who pleaded guilty to her husband’s murder.

The Parole Board of Canada has removed almost all of the conditions placed on a Waterloo, Ont. woman who pleaded guilty to her husband’s murder.

Liana MacDonald was sentenced to life in prison in 2006 and granted full parole in 2020.

The 59-year-old has had to abide by several conditions since her release, including reporting all relationships with men and staying away from anyone who may be involved in criminal activity.

In February, the parole board removed those conditions at the request of the Correction Service of Canada (CSC). They said the conditions were “no longer considered reasonable and necessary to manage your risk.”

The parole board cited several factors in their decision, such as MacDonald’s “positive attitude” and “response to supervision,” her “stable employment and finances,” and “high reintegration potential.”

MacDonald still has one condition she must follow. She is not permitted to contact, directly or indirectly, her former husband’s family without prior approval from her parole supervisor.

History of the case

On Nov. 1, 2004, the body of David Johnston was discovered in Waterloo’s Sandowne Park. The 34-year-old had been hit with a bat and then strangled to death.

Court heard MacDonald had been actively pursuing accomplices to kill her husband before the murder.

“You promised to pay with the insurance money you would receive,” the parole board noted in its case summary. “You and your husband had apparently incurred substantial debt, and he was emotionally and physically abusive towards you.”

Richard Davidson later admitted to killing Johnston. MacDonald lied to Davidson, claiming her husband was a drunk who mistreated her and spent all the family’s money. Davidson, meantime, claimed he only meant to rough Johnston up to scare him.

Court heard that MacDonald led Johnston into Sandowne Park where Davidson was already waiting. Davidson hit Johnston on the head with a baseball bat, but it was not a lethal blow. Davidson then choked Johnston using a belt or jacket collar. He claimed he did not realize right away he had killed Johnston. Court was also told MacDonald checked Johnston’s vital signs to make sure he was dead and then made up a story to try and fool police.

Davidson was originally charged with first-degree murder. At his trial, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

MacDonald was also charged with first-degree murder but, like Davidson, she eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. She was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years.

According to a report from the parole board, MacDonald was granted day parole in 2017 and then full parole in 2020.

- Original reporting from CTV Kitchener’s Art Baumunk