The Parole Board of Canada has denied Donald Wayne Campbell's request for both unescorted temporary absences and day parole.
Campbell, 70, was convicted of first degree murder in the January 1998 death of 45-year-old Fenny Campbell and sentenced to life in prison, with eligibility for full parole after 25 years.
His son, Joel Campbell, told Sarnia News Today he and his siblings felt the parole board made the right decision.
"We take comfort in the fact that those [applications] were rejected," Joel said. "Especially since he was applying exclusively to have those served in Windsor. It was the only location he was pursuing placement in. Which is, you know, very close to where we live."
Joel said his father has extended family on his side in that area.
Joel said with the rejection his next opportunity to apply will be put off for some time.
"I think it's in the one to two year range and then of course he's eligible for full parole too," Joel said. "But, until he's granted unescorted temporary absences or day parole, the likelihood of him getting full parole is sort of kicked down the road a little bit... so-to-speak."
Joel said whether his dad makes parole or not, the life sentence stands for the rest of his life.
"The question is, do you remain in custody or are you out of the custody of an institution," he said. "So, if he is continued to be denied parole, he remains in a federal institution. That's where he is now. He's currently in a minimum security institution in the federal system."
Joel, his sister, Alicia Guthrie, and brother, Brent Campbell, attended the hearing virtually.
"[Our father] continues to deny all responsibility, he continues to show no remorse, he continues to not ask for any forgiveness, or make any apology to his family," Joel said. "Which is very hurtful, and very hard, because the evidence is clear as to what he did and he just refuses to be accountable for it. So, it's clear he's not a changed person."
Joel said what's often lost in the shuffle of these hearings is that this case is about their mother.
"He took our mother, a loving daughter, sister, cousin, friend and valuable community member. He took her out of this world with his selfish action," Joel said. "That was very hard because you relive the moments of what happened, you relive everything that was lost. In sharing your victim impact statements and participating [you have to] open up those areas of hurt that you've suffered over the last 25 years."
Joel said it is emotional, draining, and exhausting knowing that this process keeps happening.
"As long as we have breath we will continue to fight for justice for our mother. We need to stand up for what's right. We're happy with the [recent] decision, but it's not like it's a happy situation. It's very hard on everyone and that really doesn't go away, even all these years later."
Joel said his mother would have turned 70 this past June.