March held to keep killer behind bars

Page 32

The mother of Helen Betty Osborne wants intervener status at the upcoming parole hearing of the man convicted of her daughter's brutal murder. But it is unlikely that the National Parole Board will allow this to happen.

Justine Osborne, 70, of Norway House First Nation, and members of a women's wellness circle completed an 800 km Walk For Justice from their northern Manitoba community to Winnipeg on Nov. 17. The five-day march, which started on Nov. 13, was in protest of the possible full parole of Dwayne Archie Johnston. Johnston was found guilty of manslaughter in the 1971 death of Helen Betty and was sentenced in 1987, 16 years after the crime, to 10 years in jail.

Three other men accused of participating in the rape and stabbing of the 17-year-old Aboriginal woman in The Pas, Man.were found not guilty. Johnston admits to participating in the killing, but denies committing the actual murder.

About 200 supporters joined the small group of marchers at the legislature to urge the government to use its influence to convince the parole board to deny Johnston an early release.

The hearing is expected to be held in February or March of 1996, approximately one year before the end of his sentence.

In an emotional scene, Justine Osborne, supported on both sides by her children and fellow marchers, broke down and cried while addressing the crowd. People, some weeping openly stood in respect while she composed herself. She said she was grateful to the public for supporting her family in this endeavor.

The parole board usually does not grant intervener status at hearings to individuals and it is unlikely that it will be granted in this case.

Fraser Simmons, regional parole board director in Abbotsford, B.C. said the parole board does not allow verbal presentations from observers and victims, just written statements.

"In terms of the limits put on the parole board, we have to put aside those kinds of emotional considerations and deal strictly with the likelihood of somebody committing a new offence."

Simmons said the parole board believes Johnston is not likely to reoffend.

Consumer Minister Jim Ernst said Manitoba's Justice Minister, Rosemary Vodrey, wrote to the parole board on Oct. 23, urging it to deny the early release of Johnston.

The government and the people of Manitoba supported the group in its desire to see justice done in this case, said Ernst.

Grand Chief of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak George Muswaggon said the province must take action to reform the justice system as it relates to Aboriginal people.

The Osborne murder sparked a judicial inquiry in 1987, which resulted in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report.

The AJI called for sweeping changes to the way the justice system dealt with Aboriginal people.

Muswaggon said the report has to be taken off the shelf, dusted off, and used as a blueprint to implement much needed reforms.

"It is sad that people in positions of responsibility are doing almost nothing. It is time we had a justice system that works."

Johnston has been on day parole in Abbotsford, B.C. since late September.