Allan Schoenborn, child killer, appears before B.C. Review Board

A man who stabbed and smothered his three children in 2008 is appearing before the B.C. Review Board today in his annual request for greater freedom.

Allan Schoenborn was found not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder, for killing Kaitlynne, 10, Max, 8, and Cordon, 5, in the Merritt trailer home he shared with then wife Darcie Clarke.

He is requesting escorted day trips from the Coquitlam, B.C., psychiatric hospital where he's being held.

Clarke and other family members are now forced to make the case each year as to why they don't want Schoenborn released from the facility, in what has become a difficult undertaking.

"These hearings happen every single year and it really takes a lot out of the family," said Dave Teixeira, a friend of Clarke's who speaks for the family.

Schoenborn's requests have varied in the past, from a day pass to a move to Manitoba.

"In another year, he wanted full and unfettered release. So we don't know what we are walking in to before we get there," he said.

In 2011, the board granted Schoenborn escorted day passes, but reviewed that decision after outcry from Clarke's family. The board said it was unaware Clarke was living in Coquitlam, not far from the psychiatric hospital.

Last February, the board denied Schoenborn's request for a day pass.

Family hopes to end annual hearings

Clarke hopes the annual review board hearings will eventually change, under new federal legislation for high-risk accused.

For that to happen, under the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, Schoenborn's case would have to be returned to the original trial judge to determine whether he is considered high-risk.

That designation would then open up the possibility his reviews could be scheduled less frequently, with up to a maximum of three years between hearings.

"It will also give the family a lot more time to heal," Teixeira said.

It’s not clear whether Crown prosecutors will ask for the designation to be applied to Schoenborn.

“Crown has been reviewing the applicability of the new provisions to Mr. Schoenborn's case, but has not commenced any application so far,” said Crown spokesperson Neil Mackenzie.