CSC Investigates Statutory Release Following Toronto Senior's Homicide
The Correctional Service of Canada has initiated a formal investigation into the statutory release of Ashton Drysdale, a 38-year-old federal offender now facing charges in connection with the December murder of a Toronto senior. This development comes as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding Drysdale's release from custody prior to the alleged commission of a violent crime.
Details of the Case and Charges
Ashton Drysdale, along with 38-year-old Kaream Hines, stands accused in the murder of 79-year-old Jolan Kun, whose death occurred on December 9 in an apartment located in the St. Clair Avenue West and Rushton Road area of Toronto. Police have confirmed that a post-mortem examination classified Kun's death as a homicide, prompting a thorough investigation into the events leading to this tragic outcome.
Drysdale was originally serving an eight-year and eight-month sentence for multiple serious offenses, including:
- Four firearm-related charges
- Robbery with violence
- A drug-related charge
According to correctional officials, Drysdale was released on statutory release after completing two-thirds of his sentence, as mandated by Canadian law for federal offenders serving the final portion of their terms under community supervision.
CSC's Response and Investigation
In an official statement, the Correctional Service of Canada expressed condolences to the family and friends of Jolan Kun while outlining their commitment to public safety. "Protecting the safety and security of our communities remains the top priority for the Correctional Service of Canada," the statement read. "To achieve this goal, CSC strives to gradually release and safely reintegrate federal offenders through structured community supervision."
The CSC emphasized that statutory release represents a legal requirement for offenders to serve the concluding third of their sentences within the community under careful monitoring. However, following the serious charges brought against Drysdale, the agency has launched a comprehensive investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding his release.
"Realizing the serious and tragic charges that have been laid, it is important that it be thoroughly reviewed to fully examine the circumstances around what happened," the CSC statement continued. "To this end, CSC has launched an investigation and will not hesitate to implement any measures, as determined necessary, to further enhance public safety."
Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings
Toronto Police have revealed that Ashton Drysdale now faces multiple additional charges beyond the first-degree murder accusation. These include:
- Ten counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Nine firearm-related charges
- Possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000
Drysdale and Hines were both captured in Toronto recently after being wanted since March of last year for a parole violation while out on statutory release. The CSC has confirmed that Drysdale is currently in custody as legal proceedings move forward.
Due to the ongoing police investigation and the fact that this case is now before the courts, the Correctional Service of Canada has indicated they cannot provide further commentary at this time. The investigation into Drysdale's statutory release will examine whether proper protocols were followed and what measures might be implemented to prevent similar situations in the future.
