Advertisement

Darren Huenemann, the ‘mastermind’ of 1990 double murder in Tsawwassen denied parole

Click to play video: 'Double-murderer applies for parole'
Double-murderer applies for parole
WATCH: The architect of two of the most brutal murders in B.C. history went before the parole board today. Darren Huenemann, who has changed his name to Gowan, was convicted in 1992 of hiring two friends to kill his mother and grandmother. Grace Ke reports on today’s parole hearing – Aug 29, 2017

The man involved in one of B.C.’s most notorious crimes almost three decades ago has been denied his first chance at parole.

Darren Huenemann, who was convicted and given a life sentence for being the ‘mastermind’ of the 1990 double murder of his mother Sharon and grandmother Doris Leatherbarrow, appeared before the parole board at his Quebec prison Tuesday.

But his parole request was denied.

The family of the victims is adamant he stay behind bars. “It’s was a brutal murder and they slaughtered two beautiful ladies,” said family member Ed Beketa.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Derik Lord was just a teenager when he and two other teens were convicted of killing his friend’s grandmother and mother in a murder-for-hire inheritance plot. 

Click to play video: 'Derik Lord has another parole hearing for grisly double murder of Tsawwassen women'
Derik Lord has another parole hearing for grisly double murder of Tsawwassen women

In October 1990, the bodies of 47-year-old Sharon and 69-year-old Doris were found in the kitchen of the elder woman’s home in Tsawwassen.

Story continues below advertisement

It was later discovered that Huenemann, who was 18 at the time, hired two classmates, David Muir and Derik Lord, both 17, to murder the two women for a part of a $4-million inheritance.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

WATCH: Derik Lord seeks parole in double murder conviction

Click to play video: 'Derik Lord seeks parole in double murder conviction'
Derik Lord seeks parole in double murder conviction

All three were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1992. Lord and Muir were both eligible for parole after 10 years because both were young offenders at the time of the murders. Muir served 10 years and is out on full parole while Lord, who has maintained his innocence, has been repeatedly turned down for parole.

Huenemann, who made an unsuccessful attempt to escape from prison in 1995, was not eligible for parole until he served 25 years.

Sponsored content

AdChoices