The convicted killer at the centre of a controversy at McGill University is back in custody.
While Correctional Service Canada (CSC) studied a thorough assessment of his case, Jeffrey Ewert had been taking law classes at McGill since the beginning of the semester.
Ewert was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for attacks committed in British Columbia in 1984 when he was in his 20s.
According to court records, he strangled and sexually assaulted a young woman after offering her a ride home from a bar.
She died from the attack.
He also severely beat a 15-year-old girl and strangled her before throwing her in a ditch.
She was found the next day and suffered significant brain damage.
She is now blind and a quadriplegic.
His presence on campus has caused division among students, with one petition calling for Ewert to be banned, and another demanding he be allowed back.
CSC said a suspension warrant for Ewert’s conditional release was issued and that “the offender has returned to custody while a more thorough assessment of the situation is being conducted.”
“CSC may suspend an offender’s conditional release when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender has breached a condition of release or that the risk they present can no longer be safely managed in the community,” CSC spokesperson Kevin Antonucci said.
“Following a suspension, the case is reviewed in accordance with the established post-release decision-making process, which may include further consideration by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC).”
CTV News contacted Ewert’s lawyer, who did not offer any comment.
CSC said it could not provide further information on the specific conditions that led to the suspension, as the case is active.
“CSC continuously assesses information obtained throughout an offender’s period of community supervision,” said Antonucci.
“When concerns arise regarding an offender’s behaviour, compliance with release conditions, or ability to be safely managed in the community, CSC takes appropriate action. If the risk can no longer be safely managed in the community, CSC may suspend the offender’s release and return them to custody.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres’ website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada’s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
