It has been 25 years since Dr. Geoffrey Cragg was killed protecting his family and home.
On Sept. 16, 1992, Cragg interrupted a break-in at his University Heights home and during a struggle with the intruder, was stabbed several times.
Sheldon Klatt was eventually found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
On the weekend of the anniversary, Klatt will become eligible for full parole.
He was first given day parole in March 2016 and has reportedly had no issues.
In a hearing in late-August, the Parole Board of Canada granted full parole to Klatt upon his full parole eligibility date, which is Sept. 17.
The board heard Klatt has been assessed as a low probability to reoffend, as long as he avoids negative associates, keeps stable employment, keeps his emotions in check and avoids drugs and alcohol. Those issues led to a number of conditions being placed on his parole.
The panel also heard Klatt takes full responsibility for killing Cragg, something he didn’t do in the beginning.
Klatt also outlined his plans for when he is released.
“You said that you had a home to return to that was leased with your partner, that you are employed full-time and that you have had many overnight passes to your home where you reside with your partner and her teenage child,” the decision read. “You said being a good role model to this child is important to you and you spoke emphatically about the level of support that your partner brings to your life.”
“In your closing remarks, you told the board that you are prepared to continue to work hard to achieve the goals you have set for yourself and that you want to make the most of your life,” the decision continued. “You said you will always seek ways to make things better.”
News Talk 770 spoke with Cragg’s widow after Klatt was first granted day parole.
Marion Haythorne said she saw a transformation in him once he took responsibility for the murder. She added that “being angry forever will ruin a life,” which is why she took the approach that “hate will never bring a loved one back.”
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