Brayden Bushby, the individual found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has been released on full parole under certain conditions. The Parole Board of Canada approved this decision recently. Bushby, who was initially sentenced to eight years in prison five years ago, will now be reintegrated into society as a law-abiding citizen, according to documents obtained by CBC News.
Kentner, a 34-year-old member of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, passed away due to medical complications following an incident where she was struck by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle. Bushby, now 27 years old and a father of two, was previously sentenced in June 2021, with his term reduced to seven years and 11 months due to time served.
The decision to grant Bushby full parole has sparked outrage among Kentner’s family and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. They view the parole decision as a serious injustice and a reflection of ongoing discrimination within the Canadian justice system. Despite this, Bushby’s release conditions include strict supervision and adherence to parole conditions.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), representing 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5, expressed deep disappointment with the parole decision, citing concerns about Bushby’s pattern of risky behavior. The parole board’s decision was criticized for potentially endangering society and sending the wrong message about accountability for violent acts against Indigenous people.
Bushby’s parole terms mandate compliance with several conditions, including participation in treatment programs, avoidance of criminal associations, and refraining from alcohol and drug use. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) highlighted systemic failures in addressing violence against Indigenous women and emphasized the need for concrete actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For those impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous people, immediate emotional and crisis support is accessible through national hotlines and mental health counseling services like Hope for Wellness.