A man who was convicted of killing three people in Chatham more than 27 years ago has been granted day parole for the sixth time.
The latest decision from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), dated April 29, 2019, cites continued good behaviour from 46-year-old Jason Shawn Cofell as a key factor in its decision to extend his parole by up to six months again, saying he has been "compliant with Board imposed special conditions with no breaches or violations on file."
The report adds that "there is no information to suggest [Cofell has] reconnected with negative peers and associates and/or re-involved [himself] in criminal activity." It notes he also works "cooperatively with [his] case management team."
In its previous decision in October 2018 to extend Cofell's day parole, the PBC cited a "lack of stable employment" as a barrier to supporting a full parole release for Cofell. While it appears he is holding down a job at the moment, the PBC says the undisclosed occupation "provides enough for your personal expenses, but not enough to support you living independently."
In making its most recent decision, the PBC considered a recommendation from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) that Cofell's parole be continued, citing "positive behaviour in the community."
The decision also cites the results of Cofell's most recent Correction Plan Update (CPU), which says he has a "low need for improvement in the area of personal/emotional orientation." That report rates Cofell's accountability and motivation level as "high" and his reintegration potential as "medium."
While Cofell is out on parole, he will once again be allowed to take advantage of expanded leave privileges of five nights in the community and two nights at a halfway house. Those "nights in the community" previously included some time at his mother's house.
As part of Cofell's release conditions, he will continue to be required to follow psychological counselling and to stay away from any person who he knows or believes is involved in criminal activity or the Canadian Armed Forces (except with written authorization from his parole officer). Cofell is also prohibited from associating with any member of the victims’ families.
