"Ray, who is currently serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old boy in 1986, was granted one of his three 72-hour unescorted temporary absences earlier this month. The reason was to familiarize himself with a community-based residential facility, according to a written decision from Canada's parole board, dated Jan. 5, 2026."
"In its decision, the board stated that Ray had elevated assessments for general, violent and sexual recidivism and remains a high risk/medium needs offender. It outlined Ray's history of crime before his first-degree murder conviction, including the alleged sexual abuses of an ex-girlfriend and a young girl, both of which Ray denied doing and was never criminally charged for."
"The Board also finds that you are on a pathway to rehabilitation, have reconnected to your Indigenous roots, and have embraced its disciplines and lessons, wrote the board. It determined that Ray would not present an undue risk to society during his unescorted temporary absences, with him displaying a high motivation to improve."
Darren Scott Ray, serving a life sentence for the 1986 rape and murder of a 14-year-old boy, was granted three 72-hour unescorted temporary absences over 12 months to support gradual reintegration into society. The parole board's decision, dated January 5, 2026, noted Ray had elevated assessments for general, violent, and sexual recidivism and remains a high-risk offender. Despite acknowledging Ray's distorted views regarding consent and his history of alleged sexual abuse, the board determined he showed high motivation for improvement and had reconnected with Indigenous roots. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision and called for system reform. Durham Regional Police Service expressed concerns about the parole board's determination.
#parole-board-decision #criminal-justice-system #public-safety-concerns #temporary-absences #political-response
Read at www.cbc.ca
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