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Man who killed Peggy-Jo Barkley-Dube denied full parole, but gets temporary absences

Parole board says David Scott Hall, who has served 20 years for the brutal killing of his cousin's wife, presents 'undue risk to society' and has refused to take responsibility
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Barkley-Dube, 27, died in her Coulson Avenue home in the early morning hours of May 3, 1999, after being repeatedly stabbed and slashed. Family photo
Peggy-Jo Barkley-Dube's killer has been denied full parole because he presents "an undue risk to society" at this time. 

But the Parole Board of Canada granted David Scott Hall two, five-day unescorted temporary absences, plus travel time, from the federal minimum-security institution where he is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

The authorized passes, which are for personal development for rehabilitation and full parole, are to be taken over a one-year period.

The board decision, released this week, follows a virtual hearing that took place March 23 and was attended by members of the 27-year-old woman's family.

Barkley-Dube was brutally murdered in her Coulson Avenue home, where her body was discovered on May 3, 1999.

She had been repeatedly stabbed and slashed.

In 2000, a jury found Hall, now 49, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his cousin's wife.

He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 15 years.

In 2004, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence imposed by Superior Court Justice Gladys Pardu.

When she sentenced Hall, the judge suggested the nature of his crime did not auger well for his rehabilitation.

A person who could cold-bloodedly terrorize and slaughter a defenceless victim for no reason may not be rehabilitated by even a lengthy period of imprisonment, she said.

In its recent decision, the parole board told Hall it believes "you will present an undue risk to society if released on full parole at this time, and that your release will not contribute to the safety of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen."

The board imposed special conditions on his temporary absences, including no direct or indirect contact with Barkley-Dube's family.

He is prohibited from travelling to Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa, Fergus, Algoma District and the Greater Toronto Area.

As well, Hall must immediately report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females to his parole supervisor.

One of Barkley-Dube's family members presented what the board described as a "heartfelt and compelling statement about the loss of life of a young woman and the suffering caused to those who love her."

It also noted the family has strong views about Hall's refusal to admit responsibility for his violent actions.

One person questioned whether his risk to re-offend can be assessed accurately since he hasn't explained the circumstances surrounding what occurred and what led him "to commit such an extreme violence."

Barkley-Dube received several major wounds to her neck, face and throat, as well as large wounds on a forearm and both hands.

She had 37 wounds, including 27 defensive injuries, and died from a fatal hemorrhage.

In its decision, the board referred to Hall's refusal to take responsibility for viciously stabbing a young woman to death, calling his "stance perplexing and frustrating."

But it went on to say that it is clear from psychological and actuarial assessments, the "horrific nature of a crime and an offender's refusal to admit culpability does not automatically define the risk of recidivism."

In assessing Hall's risk for release on unescorted temporary absences, the board said it weighed the negative factors against the positive ones.

On the negative side, Hall continues to maintain his innocence and denies committing this horrific crime.

The parole board said it accepts the jury's decision and the sentence imposed by the court.

"It is without question you have not taken responsibility for your actions."

In its opinion, the board said the totality of the factors mitigating Hall's risk of

reoffending outweigh the aggravating factors.

Hall did not display ingrained criminal values nor violence before or after the offence, can follow rules and comply with directions of authority figures, it said, noting his institutional conduct appears satisfactory

He's employed in prison, volunteers for projects and successfully completed escorted temporary absences and work release.

An updated psychological risk assessment in December 2020 indicated he continues to present a low risk for both general and violent recidivism, the board stated.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) recommended that Hall not be granted the unescorted temporary absences, citing concerns regarding the risk he poses to the community because he continues to deny responsibility for Barkley-Dube's death.

CSC indicated it has not been able to assess his risk factors and determine what triggered the extreme level of violence involved in the death.

The service also opposed full parole, pointing to the need for slow, gradual reintegration into the community.

Under his unescorted temporary release plan, Hall will participate in a community integration program offered through a residential facility in the Windsor area.


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About the Author: Linda Richardson

Linda Richardson is a freelance journalist who has been covering Sault Ste. Marie's courts and other local news for more than 45 years.
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