You must never lose sight of the fact that Mr. Gallese had already killed one person. He had been convicted of homicide for murdering Chantale Deschenes, a fact that is often overlooked.
When I accompany families to Parole Board hearings—some families I've been accompanying for decades—I am reminded that the only right they have is to read a statement to the board members. The statement is often given to the inmate. Families do not have the right to ask the board members questions, they do not have the right to give their opinions, and they feel as though their being there is not taken into account. It must be, but I don't think parole board members have adequate training on issues related to violence and the effects these crimes have on victims' families.
Mr. Gallese had already been deemed a risk, so why take the chance that he would claim another life?
The tragedy was predictable, but unfortunately, yet another family had to lose a loved one, like so many other families [Technical difficulty—Editor]. It's almost shameful that a dangerous man with the potential to reoffend was allowed out on parole.