A man who was convicted of killing three people at a glove factory in Waterloo, Ont. more than 30 years ago is being granted six months of day parole.
Patrick Dombroskie was 28-years-old when he fatally shot three people with a rifle after he was suspended from his job at the Ontario Glove factory. Afterwards, he went to the police station and turned himself in.
He was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, with his parole eligibility set at 25 years.
Day parole granted
The Parole Board of Canada granted Dombroskie’s day parole request after a hearing on March 9. Dombroskie, who is now 62-years-old, said he would like to stay at a Community Residential Facility (CRF) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia where he completed a 60-day unescorted temporary absence (UTA) last year.
He must adhere to several conditions, including following a treatment plan and mental health counselling program. He cannot visit Ontario or have any contact with the families of his victims.
“Your behaviour during the UTA was described as ‘flawless’ and you were able to practice your communication and social skills and reduce your anxiety,” the board decision stated. “While your behaviour was acceptable on the UTA, your generally introverted and quiet nature is cause for concern in the management of your case.”
The board granted six months of day parole.
Ontario Glove shooting
Dombroskie was sentenced in May 1993 for killing 39-year-old Ontario Glove co-owner Greg More, 33-year-old supervisor Larry Strack and fellow employee 43-year-old Elizabeth Travassos.
Victim impact statements on file noted the ongoing pain his actions caused.
“In one of the victim statements, the daughter of a victim speaks to the grief and loss they have experienced as result of growing up without their mother and missing milestones in their life,” the parole board decision stated.
The parole board noted Dombroskie was dealing with several stressful situations at the time of the murders, including the death of his father, the end of an intimate relationship and financial struggles.
“There are strong indicators of you planning your offences for reasons related to a desire for vengeance,” the document said.
The decision addressed Dombroskie’s history with a lack of self control and said the murders was characterized by his feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with his employment options as well as his poor coping skills.
“There is a history of social isolation, introversion, depression which led to your struggle to assess conflict, resolve personal emotional conflict and justifying the use of violence to solve problems,” it said.
Time behind bars and parole plans
Dombroskie’s time in prison was described as “appropriate,” although there was one issue on record from 2009 when he refused to turn over a homemade weapon of a rock in a sock.
He was allowed to take part in several escorted temporary absences to perform community service, attend personal development programs and go to church.
In July 2025, he went to a CRF on Vancouver Island. Staff there said he demonstrated an ability to manage in a less structured environment and he participated in a program that allowed him to venture outside his comfort zone and manage his emotional health.
Dombroskie said he wants to go back to that same facility for his day parole and he will try to find a job in retail or in a warehouse. He also plans to volunteer in the community.
“You advised the Board that you believe your risk is manageable in the community and that you will take your release slow,” the parole board decision said. “When asked by the Board how you will be addressing issues in relation to seeking employment and disclosing your offences, you noted that you had not considered this but said you would work this through with supports and would be honest in your disclosures.”
The director of the Vancouver Island facility also appeared at Dombroskie’s parole board hearing and said the two have been developing a relationship over the last several years. The director told the board that the facility conducts check-ins and if any issues arise, he will let Dombroskie’s parole supervisor know as part of their regular routine.
“The Board remains concerned … that your introverted general nature may result in any decline in your motivation or other risk elevating concerns, the information provided by the CRF director … did assuage the Board’s concern in this regard.”
