Man charged day after release from prison in Edmonton temple stabbing

Austin Sim-Pelletier, 27, is charged with assault and weapons possession in connection with the stabbing of two men at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in northeast Edmonton on August 21. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Sim-Pelletier was discharged from federal prison on August 20, a day before the attack.

Parole Board of Canada documents released to CBC News show Sim-Pelletier had a documented history of serious violence. A psychological assessment completed in May 2025 determined he carried potentially high risk for future violence. In a July parole decision, board member Andrea Menard noted his "actions appear to be linked to underlying and unmanaged mental health concerns, particularly delusions and paranoia focused on your and your family's safety." Menard also wrote that "your delusions, which are centered around new world conspiracies and government control, have contributed to a profound distrust of authority, which can manifest as anti-authority behaviour."

Sim-Pelletier was released under statutory release policy, which allows most federal offenders to serve the final third of their sentences in the community under supervision. The parole board had imposed special conditions on his release intended to reduce the risk of reoffending. However, he had struggled with past community supervision orders; a string of previous release orders had been revoked.

The charges against Sim-Pelletier relate to a 2024 sentence for two separate assaults. In August 2024, he punched a woman in the face five or six times after she brought him to her home, causing severe facial injuries. In September 2024, he punched a correctional officer in the face without warning while in remand custody. His previous criminal convictions include possession of a loaded restricted firearm, assault causing bodily harm, pointing a firearm, and mischief. He committed 13 infractions while in custody, including disruptive behaviour.