Matthew de Grood, known for his role in the Calgary mass killing, has come under scrutiny again by The Criminal Code Review Board. The board’s annual review of de Grood concludes that the young man has not progressed satisfactorily in his rehabilitation since his last assessment.
De Grood was held not criminally responsible in 2016 for the murders of Zackariah Rathwell, Jordan Segura, Kaiti Perras, Josh Hunter, and Lawrence Hong, which occurred during a house party in 2014. The board’s deliberation involved an in-depth review of de Grood’s current treatment, which combines daily oral medication and a long-term injectable drug to manage his schizophrenic symptoms effectively.
De Grood’s successful management of his condition during unsupervised fortnightly visits from his Edmonton group home to southern Alberta has been noted. However, his doctors maintain that he must continue to take daily oral medication.
Dr. Oghogho Manuwa, the lead of de Grood’s dedicated treatment team, explained the visits enable de Grood to practice independence. Nevertheless, he believes that there is much progress to be made. Critically, Crown lawyer Wendy Ekert echoed Manuwa’s sentiment, stating that de Grood’s rehabilitation was not progressing at the desired pace.
During the hearing, Manuwa disclosed de Grood’s unsuccessful attempts at social interactions, as evidenced by his limited participation in a local church group for young men under 30. Moreover, while de Grood is involved in goal-setting activities, including vocational and employment goals, these efforts have been delayed as his primary objective is to return home to Calgary.
For this to happen, Jacqueline Petrie, de Grood’s lawyer, insists that he must be discharged from Edmonton’s medical care. Manuwa, however, objected, arguing that there are too many risks associated with his discharger.
Despite agreeing that de Grood is a level 3, or low-risk reoffender, Manuwa explains that the assessment only predicts behavior, not the severity of potential reoffense. He recommended a trial period for de Grood living within Calgary, the city of his original offence, before considering his full integration.
At the conclusion of the hearing, de Grood addressed the board and victims’ families, expressing his commitment to wellness and remorse for the suffering caused. He petitioned the board for an absolute discharge and requested the consideration of conditional discharge, allowing him to reside with his parents. The board will deliver its final decision in due course.
