Penticton, British Columbia – Laurie Wilson and her husband, Dan Wilson, stood on the steps of the Penticton Courthouse to express their frustration over the parole of Roxanne Louie’s murderer, Grace Robotti. The Parole Board of Canada’s decision to grant Robotti day parole after serving only seven years of a life sentence has stirred outrage among Louie’s family and the community.
Louie, an Indigenous woman, was beaten to death with a crowbar and struck 26 times before her body was dumped on a Naramata forestry road. The Wilsons, along with other members of the community, criticized the parole board for failing to notify them about Robotti’s day parole hearing and for not allowing them to provide submissions and impact statements.
The gathering of more than 60 people included Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, and MLA Joan Phillip. Joan Phillip expressed her disappointment with the parole board’s decision, emphasizing the need for justice for Roxanne and her family.
Robotti was sentenced to life in prison in 2017, with no eligibility for full parole until 2027. Despite this, she was granted day parole in a decision made in December 2023. This has led to calls for a review of the parole board’s decision, with plans to circulate a petition to force a reconsideration.
The parole board’s decision has reignited the debate about the justice system’s handling of cases involving Indigenous victims, prompting calls for reforms to ensure that the voices of the affected communities are heard and considered in such decisions.
In summary, the parole of Roxanne Louie’s murderer has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice from her family and the Indigenous community. The parole board’s decision to grant day parole to Grace Robotti, despite her life sentence, has raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the justice system. Efforts are underway to challenge the parole board’s decision and to seek justice for Roxanne Louie.