Parole board voices concerns about accused murderer

The man accused of killing Dieago Downey earlier this year was out on statutory release at the time of the murder, according to the Parole Board of Canada.

Daniel Romeo Downey, 26, was released from prison in November 2022, having served most of his 50-month sentence for charges including kidnapping, unlawful confinement and accessory after the fact to murder.

Those charges relate to the killing of Tylor McInnis, whose body was found in the trunk of a car in North Preston, N.S. in August 2016. Daniel Downey's older brother, Shawntez Nico Downey, was convicted of second-degree murder in the McInnis case.

Daniel Downey's statutory release was suspended in March of this year, shortly after 18-year-old Dieago Downey was shot. The parole board said in its decision that was done for the protection of the public. 

Following his arrest, police searched Daniel Downey's apartment where, according to the parole board, they found evidence of drug trafficking.

Victim was a family member

Downey was unhappy with the search.

"You explained that you were grieving the death of your family member — who was later identified as the victim of the shooting — and due to the suspension, you were unable to attend their funeral," the parole board wrote in its decision.

"You claimed you did nothing wrong and as such, the search of your apartment should not have happened."

The board does not describe the relationship between Daniel and Dieago Downey.

Daniel Downey reportedly told the board that he hopes to be released again and plans on living with his girlfriend and their child in the same apartment where police claim to have found drug paraphernalia.

The board said Downey's release plan was not viable. 

"It believes that because of your breach of conditions, you need close supervision and monitoring to keep you accountable for your actions. A return to your home would not provide such protective factors." 

Daniel Downey is scheduled to return to court next month to face the charges of murder and attempted murder in Dieago Downey's death.