Multiple prison workers took the stand on Friday at Ronald Cyr’s faint hope hearing. He’s the man who orchestrated the death of his wife, Nadia Gehl, who was shot and killed on her way to work in February 2009. Cyr was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving his life sentence at the Beaver Creek Institution in Gravenhurst. A jury has been tasked with deciding whether he can apply for parole before the mandated 25 years. On Friday, various people who interacted with Cyr behind bars testified on his behalf, describing him as polite and respectful. The jury also heard that one of the other men convicted of first-degree murder for Gehl’s death, Nashat Qawash, is also housed at Beaver Creek Institution. Both Qawash and Cyr are co-chairs of a peer group for offenders serving life sentences. Cyr’s lawyer was making the case that his client should be granted leniency. The Crown has yet to present evidence opposing early parole eligibility for Cyr. That’s expected to include testimony from Nadia Gehl’s family.
