Medicine Hat teen killer has curfew extended

Canada's youngest multiple killer appeared in a Medicine Hat courtroom today so the court could be given an update on her progress.

The teen, who killed her parents and eight-year-old brother in 2006 when she was 12 years old, has started working part-time and is continuing to take classes.

The now 18-year-old known only as J.R. was convicted in 2007 of three counts of first-degree murder.

She started her 10-year-sentence at a psychiatric hospital but wasreleased from in the fall of 2011 to begin her reintegration into the community. She moved to a group home and started studying at a post-secondary institution.

Every six months her sentence, known as an intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision (IRCS), is reviewed by the Court of Queens Bench and Justice Scott Brooker is given an update on her progress.

She is in the fourth and final stage of the IRCS sentence andshe's no longer "in custody" but in a parole officer approved residence.

Brooker says her reintegration must not be easy.

"She's been in custody since she was 12-years-old, I'm sure it's a terrifying experience," said Brooker.

She still has to check in with authority once a week and her use of social media is monitored by a probation officer.

The teen appeared via closed circuit TV and said little during the hearing.

Low risk to reoffend

Her risk was reassessed last month and it was determined that she is at a low risk to reoffend.

Defence lawyer Katherin Beyak asked for curfew extension, both because of J.R.s progress and because she is now an adult.The extension was approved, going from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

One of her therapists called the transition a "steep learning curve," but said she has "a strong alliance with her therapists."

J.R. and her then-boyfriend Jeremy Steinke, who was 23, killed the three victimsat J.R.s family home in the southern Alberta town of Medicine Hat.

Steinke was sentenced to life in prison for his part in the killings, which the pair carried out because the parents didn't approve of their relationship.

J.R.s next court appearance is scheduled for the fall.