The Parole Board of Canada has made a significant decision in a deeply tragic case, approving escorted temporary absences for an Ontario woman convicted of murdering her two young daughters nearly two decades ago.
A Mother's Unthinkable Crime
Elaine Campione was found guilty in 2009 of first-degree murder in the deaths of her daughters, three-year-old Serena and 19-month-old Sophia. The court heard that in October 2006, in their Barrie, Ontario apartment, Campione drowned both girls in a bathtub. She then placed their bodies in their beds, covering them with stuffed animals.
The prosecution argued the act was premeditated, driven by a bitter custody battle with the children's father. Campione had documented her despair in a video diary before the killings, stating she could not bear the thought of her ex-husband gaining custody. A jury ultimately rejected her defence of not criminally responsible due to mental disorder.
The Path to a Parole Board Decision
Now, after serving more than 15 years of her life sentence, Campione has been granted permission to leave prison under strict supervision. The Parole Board of Canada's decision, dated December 16, 2025, approves escorted temporary absences (ETAs).
These absences are not for personal leisure. They are typically used for specific, structured purposes such as medical appointments, programming activities, or family contact that is deemed essential for rehabilitation. The board's decision indicates that officials believe Campione can be managed in the community under tight controls without presenting an undue risk to public safety.
The board's report would have considered multiple factors, including her institutional behaviour, psychological assessments, and her release plan. ETAs are a standard, gradual step in the reintegration process for offenders serving life sentences.
Community Reaction and Lasting Scars
While the parole board operates under a mandate to assess risk and rehabilitation, decisions in cases involving the murder of children invariably provoke strong public reaction. The community of Barrie was profoundly shaken by the crime in 2006, and the girls' father and extended family have endured an immeasurable loss.
Such parole decisions do not diminish the gravity of the offence. Campione's life sentence remains in effect. The escorted absences are a highly conditional privilege that can be revoked immediately for any breach of conditions or increase in risk. She will be under constant supervision by correctional staff during any time spent outside the institution.
The case remains a stark reminder of the intersection of mental health, family court conflicts, and ultimate tragedy. The parole board's latest ruling opens a new, closely monitored chapter in a story that left permanent scars on all involved and on the community that remembers Serena and Sophia Campione.
