The recent temporary release of a child murderer in Durham Region has sparked outrage from officials across Ontario, who are urging the parole board to keep him locked up before he’s released again.
On Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford demanded an “overhaul of the system” and called for a reversal of the parole board’s decision that allowed 65-year-old Darren Scott Ray three unescorted temporary absences over the next year, aimed at helping him gradually reintegrate into society.
“He should rot in jail,” Ford stated.
This criticism follows Ray being granted one of his three 72-hour unescorted temporary absences earlier this month. He is currently serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old boy in 1986, with the parole board stating that his absence was meant to help him “familiarize” himself with a community-based residential facility, according to their written decision dated Jan. 5, 2026.
In its ruling, the board noted that Ray had “elevated assessments” for general, violent and sexual recidivism and continues to be labeled as a “high risk/medium needs” offender.
The board highlighted Ray’s criminal history prior to his first-degree murder conviction, which includes alleged sexual abuses involving an ex-girlfriend and a young girl; both accusations were denied by Ray and no charges were ever filed against him.
Furthermore, they indicated he held “distortions” regarding his sexual assault on the murdered 14-year-old victim, failing to understand that consent was not possible in that situation.
“The Board also finds that you are on a pathway to rehabilitation, have reconnected to your Indigenous roots, and have embraced its disciplines and lessons,” stated the board. They concluded that Ray wouldn’t pose an undue risk during his unescorted temporary absences due to his strong motivation for improvement.
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Community Leaders Demand Change
In a statement provided to , Chief Peter Moreira from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) mentioned he will discuss his concerns about Ray’s release with Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) soon. The police service issued a community alert when Ray was initially released on March 2, warning residents about the “significant risk” he posed. As per DRPS spokesperson Kristie Jones, Chief Moreira plans to focus discussions with CSC around ensuring “adequate and consistent supervision” for Ray while enforcing conditions related to his unescorted temporary absence and emphasizing cooperation with police for overall public safety. Whitby town Councillor Chris Leahy is also advocating for the federal government to “quash” the parole board’s decision. Leahy aims to gather community support through an online petition which he plans on presenting at next week’s town council meeting. Leahy expressed being “disturbed” after reviewing the parole board’s decision documents and struggles with understanding why Ray was granted release at all. “If you are convicted for a lifetime sentence of murdering a child, I’m sorry, you should not be allowed back anywhere,” Leahy said. He is requesting Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree conduct a complete “review” of how decisions by the parole board are made. has reached out to the minister’s office seeking comments on this matter.Source link
