The family of a Montreal woman murdered nearly 20 years ago say they want better communication from the parole board after learning their daughter’s killer was granted increased freedoms.
Sébastien Simon was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Brigitte Serre, who was stabbed 72 times during a gas station robbery in 2006 in east-end Montreal.
Simon was recently granted five-days-a-week of escorted temporary absences, up from two-days a week, allowing for up to 40 hours-a-week to take part in a community service program for one year.
Darlene Ryan, Brigitte’s stepmother, says seeing that change in conditions felt like being hit by a truck, as they have steadfastly fought against increased freedoms and a return to a Quebec institution for Simon.
Ryan, who became a longtime victims’ rights advocate, says families should be kept up to speed on each step and says having spoken to a lot of victims over the years, it’s dealing with the Parole Board of Canada where victims find it most difficult.
Serre’s father, Bruno, says he understands that Simon will likely eventually be released from prison, but losing his daughter is for all intents, a life sentence.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2025.
