A Calgary man who strangled and smothered his ex-common-law wife more than a decade ago has been granted day parole.
Tanya Gordon was found dead in her Ogden home in August 2005.
Robert William Bell eventually confessed to the killing, which happened while their children were in the home.
He took off with the three kids, dropping two off at a city mall before disappearing for a few days with their nine-year-old son. Bell was eventually arrested during a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway near Moose Jaw, Sask.
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. In April 2007, he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.
After initially denying any involvement, Bell admitted that he “blacked out, lost control” and “the argument went too far” after a fight over Gordon’s alleged infidelity.
Over the past couple of years, Bell has received some conditional passes to start the reintegration process.
In documents obtained by News Talk 770, he was granted day parole for six months, following a hearing on Aug. 23.
The board said Bell, 43, has been assessed as a low risk to public safety.
“Your reintegration potential is rated medium,” the decision read. “Level of motivation and accountability are rated high.”
The board said Bell’s plan for day parole is to live at a community-based residential facility and added several halfway houses have accepted him, pending bed space availability.
“The proposed day parole plan is realistic and viable,” the board concluded. “A structured term of day parole as proposed will assist in your reintegration.”
The board also spoke about Gordon’s family.
“In addition to taking a life, your actions also seriously and profoundly affected others,” the board said. “Victim statements on file from 2006 and 2016 express the grief, loss and ongoing hardship of family members. They have also expressed opposition to your release from prison.”
As of Sept. 2, Bell also became eligible for full parole.
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