A Calgary man who killed his mother in Hawkwood nearly a decade ago has been granted some new freedoms.
Gregory Hetrick was convicted of second-degree murder in the March 2007 death of his elderly mother, Margaret.
Court heard Hetrick strangled and stabbed the 79-year-old following a drunken argument over getting more cash for booze.
He then took her body to the garage and covered it in plastic.
In April 2009, Hetrick was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.
In documents obtained by News Talk 770, he has been described as a “model inmate”, maintaining a compliant behaviour and taking advantage of the programs available to him.
“Your motivation, accountability and social reintegration potential are assessed as high,” said the Parole Board of Canada in its written decision.
“During your incarceration, you have put the necessary efforts in order to work on your risk factors and acquire a better understanding of your criminal cycle throughout various interventions, including correctional programs, self-help courses and individual counselling,” the decision continued.
Hetrick has completed about 50 escorted passes from jail, and in a hearing earlier this month, was granted unescorted passes.
While the panel noted Hetrick’s acceptance of his issues with substance abuse, it concluded other contributing factors like personal, emotional and marital/family still need work.
“Although you also mentioned other factors, it was quite obvious for the board members that you did not work enough on these other factors,” the decision read.
In the hearing, Hetrick was denied day parole and full parole, with the board stating that the unescorted passes are well-structured and a good next step in his reintegration plans