By Katherine Svenkeson

Day parole continued for convicted teen murderer

Jan 25, 2017 | 9:00 AM

A woman from North Battleford who murdered her caregiver, will continue with day parole until a meeting with the Parole Board of Canada can be arranged.

Catherine McKenzie, 31, was 15 when she and Serena Nicotine murdered Helen Montgomery, their group home caregiver in 1997. Montgomery was assaulted and stabbed multiple times before the two teenagers stole her credit cards, vehicle and fled the group home. Both teens were charged as adults.

McKenzie was first granted day parole in 2014. It was continued several times including in June of 2016 and most recently again this January, according to documents provided by the Parole Board of Canada.

The Correctional Service of Canada’s (CSC) most recent decision, will continue McKenzie’s day parole for up to two months. After this time, McKenzie will meet again with the Parole Board to assess her progress.

The report from the board said McKenzie has demonstrated positive choices since her release, yet still struggles with “emotions management issues.” She has worked with a psychologist as her mental health continues to be an issue.

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McKenzie attempted to further her education, and hopes to secure band funding to obtain a bachelor’s degree. She is currently unemployed by the request of her case management team.

Despite her efforts, her parole supervisor notes McKenzie “is hesitant to start making real changes in [her] life.” Her case management team expects McKenzie to take on more personal responsibility.

She will remain on day parole until her next board hearing. She is also required to live in a halfway house, where she’s expected to return at night. McKenzie is prohibited from consuming drugs and alcohol, and is to avoid any contact with the victim’s family, to associate with any persons believed to be involved in criminal activity, and is to follow treatment in the area of mental health.

Katherine Svenkeson is a reporter with battlefordsNOW. She can be reached at katherine.svenkeson@jpbg.ca or on Twitter @ksvenkeson.

by Katherine Svenkeson

Day parole continued for convicted teen murderer

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