Parole Board warned that Sask. inmate charged with murder would likely kill if released
Tyler Vandewater, 28, charged with second-degree murder in death of inmate Chris Van Camp
Parole Board of Canada documents warned that a prisoner at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary charged in the death of a fellow inmate was likely to kill someone if released before the end of his sentence.
Tyler Vandewater, 28, was eligible for full parole on Dec. 4, 2016. He was serving a sentence for aggravated assault. But because of Parole Board reports, he stayed behind bars.
On June 9, Vandewater was charged with second-degree murder in the death of fellow inmate Chris Van Camp, who died two days earlier.
A history of violence
The Parole Board documents detail Vandewater's life was marked by indiscriminate aggression and violence, both in and out of custody.
"The Board notes your problematic behaviour began during childhood and was displayed both at home and at school," one report notes.
"Your behaviour included temper tantrums, assaults, property damage and impulsive aggressive actions."
Vandewater's history shows a willingness to assault civilians, store staff, other inmates, police and prison staff.
His original five-year sentence for aggravated assault stemmed from a random attack against a man he had approached to ask a question, the report said. He beat the man unconscious and then continued the assault, putting the victim in a coma.
Refusing help
While in prison, the report said Vandewater was opportunistic when it came to weapons. He choked people, head-butted them, threw fluids at them, and attacked them with metal trays and homemade knives.
He was also accused of trying to incite a riot on his cell block.
At the same time, he refused to participate in any programming, or provide any urine samples for drug testing.
"Considering your propensity for violence, several programs were recommended as part of your Correctional Plan, none of which you completed," the Parole Board documents say.
In light of these factors, the board concluded that Vandewater should be kept in prison as long as possible.
He's back in court Aug. 9 on the murder charge.