Earlier this week, news broke that convicted murderer, Karla Homolka, has been occasionally volunteering at a Montreal elementary school. Reporters at CityNews initially published the investigation after learning that Homolka has participated in school activities at Greaves Adventist Academy, where her children attend class. Naturally, the newfound information created quite the uproar, with a wave of angry parents calling for officials to keep the serial killer away from kids and off of school property.
In 2012, Homolka completed a fifteen-year manslaughter sentence in connection to the rape and murder of three teenaged girls, including her 16-year-old sister Tammy. The crimes stem back to 1993 when Homolka was married to Paul Bernardo, whom she claimed "forced her to take part in the killings". Video evidence presented in court, however, proved that she was much more involved than previously suggested. Unlike Homolka, Bernardo continues to serve a lifetime sentence for his role in the brutal crimes. Upon her release it was revealed that Homolka settled in Quebec and is currently married with three children.
When news surfaced that the notorious criminal was supervising field trips and bringing in pets to classes at Greaves Adventist Academy, local residents were filled with anger. “We don’t want her here,” one anonymous parent told CityNews. “How would you feel knowing that your child is interacting with a person who is a serial killer? It’s not right.” The sentiments were echoed throughout the city and in news pieces internationally.
A statement released by Graves employees stated that everyone was aware of Homolka's involvement, and claimed it to be limited and under strict supervision. It became clear that school officials didn't intend to cut ties with the murderer, but this was rebuked when sources confirmed this week that Homolka has now been officially banned from volunteering at the location.
The Seventh-day Adventist board, which operates Graves, said in a brief statement yesterday that they have "heard and listened to the concerns of parents and members of the community uncomfortable with recent reports in the media." The church is also adamant that not only will Homolka be banned from participation, but so too will anyone with a criminal record. It's a small consolation for those affected by the crimes, and for the families who continue to deal with the irreparable damage caused by the serial killer and her former husband.
