Convicted killer Shawn Lamb gets statutory release

Convicted killer Shawn Lamb has been granted statutory release by the Parole Board of Canada. Taylor Brock explains.

Convicted killer Shawn Lamb, who admitted to killing two women in Winnipeg, has been granted statutory release.

In a decision earlier this month, the Parole Board of Canada issued a statutory release for Lamb, now 66, with the condition that he live at a designated community-based residential facility or psychiatric facility for at least six months.

“Having weighed the negative and positive aspects of your case, the Board finds that a period of residency is reasonable and necessary in order to ensure you can reintegrate safely into the community,” the decision reads.

As outlined by law, Lamb is entitled to statutory release after serving two thirds of his sentence.

In 2013, Lamb was sentenced to 20 years in prison minus two years for time served, after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter in the 2012 killings of Lorna Blacksmith and Carolyn Sinclair. The court heard he fatally beat Sinclair with an axe handle and weeks later strangled Blacksmith with a TV cord.

Lamb had originally been charged in connection to the death of Tanya Nepinak; however, that charge resulted in a stay of proceedings due to a lack of evidence.

Nepinak’s body has never been found and Lamb has denied any involvement in her death.

The decision noted Lamb—currently housed in a minimum security facility—has completed correctional programs and is currently attending church services with a citizen escort as a part of an escorted temporary absence program.

However, the parole board said Lamb presents a “high imminent risk of violence” towards a partner, while a low imminent risk of violence towards others.

Conditions of his statutory release include a requirement to report all sexual and nonsexual relationships and friendships, along with any changes, to his parole supervisor.

He is not to consume, purchase or possess alcohol and drugs, other than prescribed medication, and is not to associate or communicate with anyone involved in criminal activity.

The board said following a six-month period, a review of Lamb’s progress will be completed.

‘Deep disappointment and concern’: Grand Chief says families learned parole decision through media

In a media release sent Wednesday afternoon, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expressed its “deep disappointment and concern” over the board’s decision and how the victims’ families found out.

“Families deserve respect, transparency, and safety,” wrote Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.

“To hear through news reports that this man has been released adds another layer of pain and frustration,” wrote Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation Chief EJ Fontaine.

Fontaine said families should have been directly notified by the parole board.

“The Parole Board’s decision not only retraumatizes victims’ loved ones but also erodes public confidence in a justice system that already fails First Nations women far too often,” Wilson said.

AMC said it is calling for mandatory notifications and consultations with affected First Nations families and leadership before any parole release decisions are shared.

The assembly is also calling for a re-examination of Lamb’s risk assessment and supervision conditions.

Lamb’s release ‘reopens deep wounds,’ Grand Chief says

Following news of Lamb’s release, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) issued a statement expressing concern and outrage.

“This decision is a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls,” MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said in the statement.

“Our communities continue to live with the trauma of these horrific acts, and the release of Shawn Lamb reopens deep wounds for the families and loved ones of Carolyn Sinclair, Lorna Blacksmith, and Tanya Nepinak.”

While noting the statutory release comes as Lamb served two-thirds of his 20-year sentence—as required by law—Settee said he wanted to see changes.

He called for a review of statutory release provisions for violent offenders and for the full implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, including reforms to the justice system.