How and when Daniel Goodridge should be released from prison is up for debate. A hearing will be held in front of the Alberta Review Board Tuesday to determine whether he should be given a full discharge, a discharge with conditions, or remain in custody in the psychiatric hospital until further notice.
Goodridge has been in custody at the Alberta Hospital since early November when he was found not criminally responsible for the 2015 double homicide at a Fox Creek work camp. A hearing has to be held within 45 days.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Goodridge admits to stabbing and killing 37-year-old David Derksen and 50-year-old Hally Dubois the morning of June 30, 2015. Justice K.G. Nielsen found that while he understood the consequences of his actions, his mental disorder meant he didn’t understand that they were morally wrong.
The Alberta Review Board is an independent committee tasked with overseeing people who have been handed a not criminally responsible or unfit to stand trial verdict because of a mental disorder. It’s made up of psychiatrists, lawyers, and community representatives.
Hearings can include oral and written evidence and submissions, as well as the assessment of the credibility of experts and witnesses. Decisions are meant to balance the safety of the public and reintegration of the accused into society.
Goodridge’s hearing is set for 2 p.m. on December 11th at the Helen Hunley Pavilion of Alberta Hospital Edmonton. Alberta Justice says typically, decisions are made within a couple of weeks. Cases are reviewed on a regular basis.
