Tammy Lynn Goforth, a Saskatchewan woman serving a life sentence for the murder of a child, is set to be released on day parole in August 2026. The Parole Board of Canada granted her day parole in a decision dated May 20, 2026, subject to several conditions, including no contact with children, a curfew, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
Background of the Case
In February 2016, a jury convicted Goforth of second-degree murder in the death of a four-year-old girl on August 2, 2012. Her husband, Kevin Eric Goforth, was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Both were also convicted of unlawfully causing bodily harm to a two-year-old girl. The children were not the Goforths' biological offspring but had been placed in their care as legal guardians by social services nine months before the incident.
Details of the Neglect
The court found that the children had been deprived of food for at least three to four weeks and fluids for at least a day before the death. Medical attention was not sought despite the children's obvious poor health. Tammy Goforth received a life sentence with a 17-year parole ineligibility period.
Parole Eligibility
In Canada, parole ineligibility for second-degree murder is calculated from the date of arrest. Goforth was arrested in August 2012, making her eligible for full parole in 2029. However, offenders serving life for second-degree murder become eligible for day parole three years before full parole, hence her eligibility in August 2026.
Parole Board Decision
The Parole Board of Canada noted in its decision that while in Goforth's care, the victims were neglected and abused, leading to one death and serious health issues for the other. Despite this, the board found that she does not present an "undue risk to society" if released, citing her low risk of reoffending and participation in prison programming. The Correctional Service of Canada reported that Goforth demonstrated "an appropriate level of victim empathy and remorse."
Conditions of Release
Day parole typically involves living in a community-based residential facility, but the only such facility in her desired release area in Saskatchewan would not accept her at this time. Instead, she will reside with family members. Her conditions include: abiding by a curfew set by her parole officer, no contact with children, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol. The board warned that her behavior and attitude will be monitored.
Goforth's release has drawn attention due to the severity of the crimes. The Regina Leader-Post reported that the decision does not specify her exact residence but noted she applied to live in Saskatchewan.
