Murderer who failed to return to halfway house had been at large twice before

Woods and another man from Vancouver were charged in 1994 after the bodies of two Alberta men, David Rosamond and Harvey Bernard, were found in shallow graves the previous year.

Woods was convicted of second-degree murder and manslaughter and began serving a life sentence in 1996, the parole document says. It says Woods was “under the influence of substances” when he shot one victim and fatally struck the second victim with a stick.

Woods stands 5-7, weighs 223 pounds and has a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He is missing both of his little fingers. He also has a leopard tattoo on his right upper arm and skull tattoos on his left forearm and upper arm. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

RCMP Cpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh said Wednesday that police have received a few tips about Woods’ whereabouts, but the investigation continues.

According to the parole board decision, board members granted Woods two 72-hour unescorted temporary absences on May 22. They also approved a 60-day unescorted temporary absence during which he planned to show he could “function in the community and balance a work schedule while following ‘society’s expectations,’ ” the document says.

The board members stated that they believed the risk was manageable.

“The board is satisfied you have made observable and measurable positive changes to support a finding that you can be released on the structured plan presented and your risk would not be undue,” they wrote in their decision, adding that the releases would “facilitate your reintegration as a law abiding citizen.”

In 2011, police cautioned that Woods was an experienced outdoorsman who “has let it be known that he is not prepared to go back to jail.” At the time, Woods was described as “potentially dangerous.”

Kevin Bissett, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Murderer who failed to return to halfway house had been at large twice before

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