The home of the Praill family in 2016 where LPS attended. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Full parole revoked for Lethbridge woman convicted of killing her mother

Sep 10, 2020 | 11:07 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Lethbridge woman will return to custody after having her full parole status stripped away.

In 2016, then-29-year-old Jessica Lee Ann Praill was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of her mother, 54-year-old Shelley Kristine Praill and sentenced to eight years in prison.

READ MORE: Woman accused of killing her mother sentenced to 8 years in prison

At the time of the offence, she had been living with her mother for a few months, but their relationship had been described as “strained.”

On April 26, 2016, the two got into an argument over alcohol and cigarettes. When the mother was asleep, Praill grabbed a knife and stabbed her in her side.

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The mother died as a result of multiple lacerations to the heart.

Following her sentencing, Praill’s lawyer Tracy Hembroff said her client never denied or diminished her actions, she wanted to take responsibility for her actions, and had been “feeling a tremendous amount of pressure.”

She was granted day parole in September 2018. This was deemed successful by the Parole Board of Canada, so Praill was eventually given full parole in May 2019.

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

As part of full parole, Praill had several conditions she must continuously meet, including taking prescribed medication, following psychiatric treatment, not consuming alcohol, and following a treatment plan in the areas of emotional management and mental health.

On August 30, 2020, The Parole Board completed its review of Praill’s case, ultimately deciding to revoke her full parole.

While they had observed instances where she was trying to make improvements, her mental health declined during her time in the community.

Praill had occasionally not taken her medication and frequently failed to fill out her reports to her parole officer.

“You have now withdrawn yourself from ensuring mental health stability, and no longer demonstrate the ability to work with your [Case Management Team] who have been there to support and assist in your reintegration. Given the deterioration in your mental health and behaviors, the Board has been satisfied that your risk in the community did become unmanageable and that your actions were within your own control. Therefore, your [full parole] is revoked,” reads a section of the Parole Board of Canada’s decision.

“It is the Board’s opinion that you will present an undue risk to society if released on [full parole], and that your release will not contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.”

Praill’s Case Management Team recommended that a residency condition be imposed as well, which would allow for closer supervision and monitoring of her mental health needs.