The Parole Board of Canada has rejected a man’s application for unescorted temporary leaves. This individual was responsible for the abduction and murder of a five-year-old girl in southern Alberta. Anthony Gallup, convicted of first-degree murder in the 2001 killing of Jessica Koopmans, made his initial bid for freedom, which was declined.
Jessica Koopmans was snatched from her residence in Lethbridge, and her remains were discovered a week later concealed under debris in Fort Macleod. Gallup, an acquaintance of Koopmans’ mother, was apprehended following the incident.
During his parole hearing via video link from a minimum security facility in British Columbia, Gallup confessed that he had taken the girl out to purchase sweets but was overcome by inappropriate feelings. He confessed to acting out of fear of being identified as a pedophile and the subsequent panic led to the tragic outcome.
The parole board was informed by Gallup’s case management team that his request for temporary release from prison was untimely and not advisable at this stage.