Day parole extended for man who murdered Sudbury cop

Peter Pennett, one of the two men convicted of killing Sudbury Police Const. Joe MacDonald in 1993, has had his day parole extended for another six months. (File)

Peter Pennett, one of the two men convicted of killing Sudbury Police Const. Joe MacDonald, has had his day parole extended for another six months.

According to documents from the Parole Board of Canada, Pennett, now 59, must follow a series of conditions, including to stay away from the victims and not enter the Greater Sudbury area and the Algoma District.

Pennett and Clinton Suzack were found guilty of murdering McDonald in October 1993 when he pulled them over during a routine traffic stop.

They attacked him while he was writing a ticket, shooting him seven times, breaking his leg and hitting him around the head. Suzack, 59, died Feb. 18 of natural causes, also while on day parole.

Pennett was first granted day parole in October 2023. His conditions include avoiding drugs and alcohol and following his treatment plan.

“(Correctional Services of Canada) recommends that the board continue your day parole for six months,” the decision said.

“They note your progress in the community and your need for a slow and gradual reintegration with demonstrated stability due to your lengthy incarceration ... They recommend that the board authorize overnight leave privileges.”

During his previous day parole, the board said he complied with his release conditions and his urine tests have come back clean.

“You have been completing your daily chores without issue and have demonstrated a positive attitude to reintegration,” the decision said.

“You shall not enter the Greater Sudbury Area or Algoma District. The victims have requested geographic restrictions as you have caused them tremendous suffering and these conditions serve to protect them from further trauma.”

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