Child killer Douglas Lambier on 60-day unescorted leave in Victoria for recovery program
The man who killed 9-year-old Brandon Burchell in 2005 is staying at a Salvation Army centre and must comply with strict conditions including staying away from children and alcohol.
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Douglas Floyd Lambier, who is sixty-three years old and killed 9-year-old Brandon Burchell in Ontario in 2005, is on a 60-day unescorted temporary absence (UTA) in B.C. authorized by the Parole Board of Canada. Lambier is staying at the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre, 525 Johnson Street, and must complete an eight-week "Skills for Recovery" program.
The Parole Board granted the UTA for "personal development" reasons but did not approve full parole. Lambier himself acknowledged he is not ready for full release. The absence comes with strict conditions: he cannot consume alcohol or drugs, enter drinking establishments, contact the victim's family, associate with people involved in criminal activity or substance abuse, or come within contact of children under age 16 unless accompanied by a responsible adult who knows his criminal history and has written approval from his parole supervisor. He is also barred from children's areas.
Brandton Burchell's mother, Tina Gervais, said that her son was suffocated with a pillowcase and was intoxicated when found. "Underneath his nails, he had Douglas' skin, so they say he was probably trying to fight for his life." Burchell's sibling disclosed that Lambier gave him alcohol and touched him sexually about a month before the murder. Charges related to that conduct were withdrawn in 2006.
Lambier was in a long-term relationship with Burchell's grandmother at the time of the murder and had been under a court order not to be in the presence of minors without supervision — a restriction already in place before he invited the 9-year-old to his home knowing no one would be there. In 1990, Lambier received a three-year federal sentence for sexual assault.
What safeguards monitor Lambier's compliance with his condition not to contact or be near children under age 16?
Why was Lambier granted unescorted leave when he had prior orders restricting him from being near minors, which were in place before the 2005 murder?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who is Douglas Lambier and what crime did he commit?
Douglas Floyd Lambier, now 63, killed 9-year-old Brandon Burchell in Ontario in 2005. Burchell was suffocated with a pillowcase.
Where is Lambier staying during his temporary absence?
Lambier is staying at the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre, located at 525 Johnson Street in Victoria, B.C.
What program must Lambier complete?
Lambier must complete an eight-week 'Skills for Recovery' program at the Salvation Army centre.
What are the main restrictions on Lambier's temporary absence?
Lambier cannot consume alcohol or drugs, enter drinking establishments, contact the victim's family, associate with people involved in criminal activity or substance abuse, or come into contact with children under 16 unless accompanied by a responsible adult with written approval from his parole supervisor. He is also barred from children's areas.
