Seven years after Allan Schoenborn killed his three children in Merritt, a psychiatrist believes it’s time to grant him supervised releases into the community.
Schoenborn was found guilty but not criminally responsible in the April 2008 slayings of his daughter Kaitlynne and sons Max and Cordon, and he was placed in the Colony Farm Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Port Coquitlam.
His case has been reviewed annually since his arrival in 2010, and at a Thursday hearing psychiatrist Marcel Hediger recommended he be allowed escorted day passes.
The releases are opposed by Crown and the family of his ex-wife Darcie Clark, who said the mere possibility has been a constant source of anxiety for them year after year.
“It doesn’t matter how much time passes, this woman lives without her children every day,” said Stacy Galt, a relative of Clark’s. “And she has to fear him getting away from this place. “
Hediger said Schoenborn has become better at managing his anger, recognizes his substance abuse problems, and understands he needs treatment.
Galt said she’s skeptical about his progress.
“Every year they say he’s improved. Improved from what? He still is a recluse, he still is not taking any programs, he still is not making an effort,” she said. “He’s not willing to heal.”
The judge at Schoenborn's trial ruled he was likely in a psychotic state during the murders of his children, and was not criminally responsible. Kaitlynne, 10, was stabbed while eight-year-old Max and five-year-old Cordon were smothered.
Doctors said Schoenborn suffered from a delusional disorder and paranoia at the time of the killings.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Sheila Scott and The Canadian Press
