Praill Crime Scene, 2016

By Lara Fominoff

Full parole granted

Lethbridge woman convicted of killing her mother in 2016 granted full parole

Jun 11, 2019 | 3:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Lethbridge woman convicted of stabbing her mother as she slept, has been granted full parole just eight months after she was granted day parole.

31-year-old Jessica Leann Praill admitted to killing her mother, 54-year-old Shelly Kristine Praill in April 2016. She was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years in prison, with credit for 288 days already served in pre-trial custody.

In its decision, made on May 22, but released May 31, 2019, the Parole Board of Canada stated that overall, Praill is assessed as manageable on full parole.

The report delved into her past and acknowledged she had a troubled history with her late mother, including parental substance abuse, family fragmentation, emotional and physical abuse.

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After her conviction, it was noted that she had no institutional charges or adjustment concerns and that she had been medication compliant and demonstrated a willingness to follow a medication regime. She also participated in therapy sessions from April 2017 until May 2018.

Praill was initially granted day parole in late September 2018, less than two years after she was sentenced. The extension of that day parole was granted by the board, in a decision made March 19, 2019. The board indicated that it was satisfied she had so far demonstrated compliance and had made adequate progress to be manageable on continued day parole release.

Her case management team (CMT) has reported stability with her mental health, while has also been approved for a provincial disability pension until she is able to work again.

The team has also determined that currently her accountability, motivation level, and reintegration potential are assessed as high and she has told the board she is enrolled in a part-time business program and has re-connected with her daughter.

One aggravating factor mentioned in the report included the nature and gravity of the offense that led to her mother’s death, and the fact that she suffers from a chronic mental illness that requires ongoing follow up and strict compliance.

Praill must abide by several conditions, including taking her prescribed medication as directed, refraining from the consumption of alcohol, continuing her treatment for her mental illness and following her treatment plan.

All assessments and case notes must also be provided if and when requested by her parole supervisor.