Penticton, British Columbia – Laurie Wilson and her husband, Dan Wilson, stood on the steps of the Penticton Courthouse to speak out against the recent decision to grant day parole to the murderer of Roxanne Louie. Louie, an Indigenous woman, was brutally beaten to death by Grace Robotti seven years into her life sentence. The parole board’s lack of notification and consideration for the victim’s family and community has sparked outrage and frustration.
The decision, made without input from Louie’s family or community leaders, has been condemned by Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, and MLA Joan Phillip, among others who attended the walk for justice.
Robotti was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole until 2027. Despite this, she was allowed escorted leave in 2022 and granted day parole in a recent decision. The injustice of the parole board’s actions has left the family and community feeling overlooked and disregarded.
The gathering of more than 60 people, including community leaders and Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, emphasized the need for justice for Louie and for systemic changes in the justice system’s handling of such cases. The sentiment is that the parole board’s decision is just another blow to the Indigenous community, and there is a call for concrete actions to bring about change.
Laurie Wilson is working on a petition to challenge the parole board’s decision, aiming to gather support from the community and initiate a review of the day parole decision for Robotti. This case has reignited the ongoing fight for justice for Indigenous women and girls, reflecting the deep-seated issues within the justice system that continue to plague the community.
In conclusion, the parole board’s decision to grant day parole to Robotti has sparked public outcry and calls for justice in the Indigenous community. The decision has reignited the discussion around ongoing systemic issues within the justice system, prompting calls for concrete action and change.