A Nova Scotia woman convicted of murdering her 12-year-old daughter over 16 years ago has been granted day parole for a period of six months.
A Crime to Save a Relationship
Penny Patricia Boudreau pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2009 for the death of her daughter, Karissa Boudreau. The court heard that Boudreau strangled her child on January 27, 2008, later claiming she committed the horrific act in a desperate attempt to save her relationship with her boyfriend.
Following her guilty plea, a judge sentenced Boudreau to life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years. The body of young Karissa was discovered along a riverbank in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, about two weeks after she was reported missing. In a chilling twist, Boudreau had publicly pleaded for her daughter's safe return on television during the search.
Parole Board Cites 'Positive Personal Changes'
In a decision released in December 2024, the Parole Board of Canada granted Boudreau, now in her early 50s, day parole. The board stated it believes she is "on a journey of observable and measurable positive personal changes which have evolved over time."
The decision noted that Boudreau has gained insight into why she committed the crime and understands its devastating consequences for the victim's family and the community. While acknowledging she continues to face challenges with anxiety, the board found she has shown a willingness to confront these issues and has gained confidence.
Her high assessed levels of accountability and motivation were key factors in the decision, with the board concluding she is ready to continue the necessary work for her rehabilitation.
Path to Day Parole Included Temporary Absences
This step follows a series of successful escorted temporary absences (ETAs) from prison, which were first approved in 2018. During these outings, Boudreau interacted with the public through a church and visited the home of a close personal support, with no reported security concerns.
The parole decision referenced a psychological risk assessment completed in October 2024, which estimated Boudreau's overall risk to the community while on day parole as "generally low." Her global risk for future reoffending, whether violent or general, was assessed as being in the "very low range."
The board determined that she has "made the necessary progress and have acquired greater insight so as to benefit from a longer absence in the community," calling day parole a desirable next step in her case evolution. She will reside at a halfway house during her six-month parole period.
