Penticton, Canada – The recent decision by the Parole Board of Canada to grant day parole to the murderer of Roxanne Louie has sparked outrage and frustration within the community. The family of Louie, an Indigenous woman who was brutally murdered, along with other community members, gathered at the Penticton Courthouse to express their dismay at the parole board’s decision.
Laurie and Dan Wilson, speaking on behalf of Louie’s family, voiced their disappointment over the lack of notification about the parole decision and the opportunity for the family and community to provide impact statements. The Wilsons, along with Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band and other prominent figures, condemned the parole board’s decision as a grave injustice.
The murderer, Grace Robotti, was convicted in 2017 for the murder of Louie and received a life sentence with no eligibility for full parole until 2027. Despite this, Robotti was granted escorted leave in 2022 and day parole in a recent decision from the parole board in December 2023. Chief Gabriel expressed frustration, stating that the justice system’s leniency towards Robotti does not provide the closure and justice the family deserves.
In response to the parole board’s decision, the community is mobilizing efforts to challenge the ruling. Chief Clarence Louie emphasized the need for follow-up actions and discussions at the council level to advocate for justice for Roxanne Louie and to address the systemic issues plaguing the Indigenous community.
In addition to community mobilization, Laurie Wilson is preparing a petition to circulate through the community and on change.org to urge a review of the parole board’s decision regarding Robotti’s day parole. The decision has not only reignited the anguish of Louie’s family but has also underscored the enduring challenges Indigenous communities face within the justice system.
Ultimately, the parole board’s decision to grant day parole to the perpetrator of this heinous crime has reinvigorated calls for justice and accountability within the Indigenous community, further highlighting the need for systemic change.