Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Parole Board Decision

Kamloops woman who set her two children on fire, killing one, granted full parole

Oct 15, 2019 | 9:23 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops woman who set her two children on fire 22 years ago, killing one of them, has been granted full parole.

However, the Parole Board of Canada says Donna Hysop is still not admitting responsibility for her crimes.

Hysop, now 52, was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for the March, 1997 incident that killed her five-year-old daughter and left her three-year-old son seriously injured and disfigured.

Hysop was first granted day parole in March, 2018.

Two and Out

PETERS: Business owners shouldn't be held responsible for nuisance calls

Nov 15, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: November 14, 2024

Nov 15, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: What is the difference between a food policy council and frontline services?

Nov 15, 2024

According to a parole board decision dated Sept. 27, 2019, Hysop initially told people she had tried to kill herself and her children, but later claimed the fire was accidental.

Solvent and a lighter were found near the location of the fire.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

However, day parole was granted when the board concluded Hysop was at a low risk to reoffend. Her parole conditions mandated she return to her halfway house in the Lower Mainland every night, and stay 100 kilometres from her son.

In granting full parole, the board noted Hysop’s case management team (CMT) recommended expanding her freedoms.

The board notes she continues to deny deliberately setting her children on fire, but tells Hysop, “you have in your own way taken responsibility by engaging in your correctional plan.”

It says Hysop has enrolled in programs while incarcerated and has participated in counselling.

The decision imposes several conditions, including staying away from children under 14 and staying outside a 100-kilometre radius of Salmon Arm, where her son lives.

Read the full Parole Board of Canada decision below: