STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — Tracy McIsaac, a niece of murder victim Ann Lucas, said citizens made it clear Friday evening that the community doesn’t want her aunt’s killer back in Stephenville.
McIsaac told The Western Star she was overwhelmed by the turnout. About 300 people who took part in a rally and march to protest the return of Robert Hilroy Legge to the community.
Justice Richard LeBlanc sentenced then-66-year-old Legge in 2005 to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 18 years from the date of his arrest, shortly after the murder in 2003.
"While his physical capabilities may lessen with older age, his ability to cause death or harm by other means will remain a realistic and potential possibility," LeBlanc said at the time.
Women and men, dressed in red, took part in the peaceful protest organized by the Bay St. George Women’s Centre in conjunction with the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network.
“I’m hoping this will make a big difference. If this doesn’t, what will?” McIsaac said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, she said the community is clearly objecting to the placement of Legge in Stephenville for probation at West Bridge House, a co-ed community residential center for adult offenders, and after.
McIsaac said the family appreciated everyone coming out and showing their support.
“I really didn’t think it would be this big a crowd, but this has to be a clear indicator to the Parole Board that Robert Hilroy Legge is not wanted here,” she said.
McIsaac said they want to keep the community safe.
“He broke the condition of a restraining order and killed my aunt, so why won’t he break the conditions of parole?” she said.
Brenda Sheppard, one of the people in attendance at the rally, said she was there to support of the family and their objective to keep Legge away.
During the rally, names were collected on a petition circulated by Janice Kennedy of the Women’s Centre.
Kennedy said she will be bringing it to the board responsible for West Bridge House and demanding that Legge not be permitted to serve his parole there.
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