Alberta woman who killed family gets partial curfew reprieve

A young woman who killed her family in 2006 can now stay out past 11:30 p.m. on weekends, a judge decided at her yearly sentence review in Medicine Hat on Thursday.

The woman who can only be identified as J.R was 12yearsold when she and her 23-year-old boyfriendJeremy Steinkemurdered her parents and eight-year-old brother in the southern Alberta city.

She was convicted in 2007 on three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to a 10-year intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision program.

She started her sentence at a psychiatric hospital before being released in 2011 to begin her reintegration into society.

Justice Scott Brooker, who presided at her trial, said during Thursdays review that J.R. has been the poster child for the rehabilitative program, never breaching its rules.

"She's done everything that's been asked of her," he said of J.R., who appeared via CCTV wearing a black blazer, burgundy shirt and pulled-back hair.

J.R.s lawyer requested her curfew be lifted, arguing that not being able to stay out later with friends is an impediment to her rehabilitation.

• Alberta girl who killed her family must remain under curfew

Brooker agreed to lift the curfew in baby steps allowing her to stay out later Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Sentence almost complete

"Thank you for this opportunity," J.R. said to Brookeras the hearing ended.

After the proceedings, Crown lawyerRamona Robbins said her thoughts were with the victims of the crimes, not theperpetrators.

So Im thinking of a boy who should be starting high school and be in his classes today. Hes not there. And also Im thinking of the other victims whove missed birthdays, anniversaries and life, she said. Especially on September 11th, its an interesting day to have this review.

In his 2013 review, Brooker denied J.R.s request that her 11:30 p.m curfew be scrapped.

Her case was originally reviewed every six months before being extended to a yearly review. Brooker scheduled a follow-up hearing in February to see how the curfew relaxation is going.

J.R. will turn 21 next month. When she is 22 she will be fully released.

Her criminal record will be wiped clean if J.R. stays out of trouble for five years following that.

Steinke was also convicted on three counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.