Former Hells Angels hitman granted day parole again

A former Hells Angels hitman is once again out of prison and back on day parole.

The Parole Board of Canada decided to release Dean Daniel Kelsie, 50, on day parole for a period of six months at a hearing on July 18.

Kelsie was previously granted day parole in 2021, and his release was reviewed every six months. But in January of this year, his release was suspended after he threatened a co-worker at the job he'd landed outside of prison. He was convicted of uttering threats and sentenced to 18 months of probation.

The board has found that Kelsie is better able to control his emotions and is less likely to get into confrontations. Kelsie noted at his hearing that he has lined up a job that will mostly involve him working by himself, thereby reducing the risk of conflict.

Kelsie is serving a life sentence for murder. He shot and killed Sean Simmons in the lobby of an apartment building in north-end Dartmouth, N.S., in October 2000. Kelsie was one of four men accused of the killing, which was allegedly ordered by a member of the Hells Angels who was upset that Simmons had an affair with his wife.

Kelsie was originally convicted of first-degree murder, but the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal reduced that to second-degree murder, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Victim's family opposed release

The decision to release Kelsie again is not without controversy. The parole board noted that his case management team opposed his release, as did the family of his victim.

The Simmons family has intervened at every stage of this lengthy legal process. The family submitted letters to the board on July 2 and 3, saying that Simmons is still missed and he did not deserve his fate.

"They share their opinion that you [Kelsie] have not demonstrated any remorse for your actions and that you still pose a risk to society, as demonstrated by the new charges you incurred on day parole," the board wrote. 

"During the [sentencing] circle, one of the victims stated that, as someone serving a life sentence, the expectations towards you should be greater and you should be held to a higher standard."

The board has imposed special conditions on Kelsie's release. They include that he abstain from drugs and alcohol, not associate with anyone with a criminal record, stay away from the Simmons family and take anger management training.