James Shortreed killed wife Iris McNeil in 1997.
Photograph by: Submitted photo , NOW
A Coquitlam family is breathing a sigh of relief after the man who killed their sister and aunt was denied a parole request.
On Wednesday, the parole board denied James Shortreed unescorted temporary absences from William Head Institution in Victoria.
In 1997, James Shortreed bludgeoned Iris McNeil to death a month after they married. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1999.
In a statement to The NOW Wednesday, the Brendzy family, who reside in Coquitlam, said they are pleased by the board's decision, though disappointed they will have to endure parole hearings every couple of years, including another possible hearing for day or full parole in six months.
"It was difficult for our family to submit and read our victim impact statements, but we made it through and were strong," said Ryan Brendzy, McNeil's nephew.
In the most recent hearing, the family noted the 57 year-old was applying for an eight-week unescorted absence during which, if approved, he could have been living in a halfway house in downtown Victoria.
The Brendzy family is urging all victims of crime and their families to submit victim impact statements and ask for a change to the law regarding the number of times an inmate can apply for different types of parole within a two-year period.
