The axe-killer who was found not criminally responsible due to mental illness is seeking to move back to the Battlefords.
Layne Larose, currently living in a group home in Saskatoon, is seeking to move back to the Battlefords to live with his mother there.
Larose has made a formal application to the province's Review Board to consider that request. The board plans to seek more information and formally consider the matter in December.
According to review board documents provided to the News-Optimist, the reason Larose is seeking the move is to obtain employment in North Battleford.
Larose claims he is having difficulty in obtaining work in Saskatoon due to his background, but has a guaranteed job offer from a former employer in North Battleford.
Reports from psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Adams and from Larose's community mental health nurse Mark Budz, noted Larose's difficulties obtaining employment in Saskatoon. Dr. Adams reported Larose was "having some frustrations secondary to his difficulty in finding a job. He finds that his criminal history frequently gets in the way."
However, both indicated that Larose has otherwise continued to show progress in dealing with his mental illness. Budz noted that Larose has been on time for all appointments and has "met all expectations for treatment," He noted Larose's medication has been effective and is showing no symptoms. Budz also reported all requested tests for drugs and alcohol have come back negative.
The proposed move to North Battleford is being opposed, however, by lawyer Dean Sinclair on behalf of the Attorney General of Saskatchewan, who has several questions about the proposed arrangement.
Also, the victims' families have repeatedly voiced their opposition to Larose's release into the North Battleford community.
Family of the late David Kennedy have previously voiced concerns about what could happen if Larose came in contact with any family members while out in the North Battleford community, expressing fears of a possible confrontation.
Larose went to trial after he killed both Kennedy and Hughie Sayers on May 28, 2002, using an axe in the slayings.
He was tried for murder, but found not criminally responsible due to mental illness - in his case. paranoid schizophrenia. He was committed for treatment in Saskatoon and eventually at Saskatchewan Hospital.
In 2010 Larose applied to the provincial Review Board to be released into the community. In May 2011 the review board granted his request, with doctors citing that Larose was making good progress and was no longer a danger to the community.
He initially moved from Saskatchewan Hospital to Donaldson House, and eventually was ordered discharged to a group home in Saskatoon last September. Larose has been residing at his current group home since February of this year. Under the conditions of his release Larose has been allowed to come back to North Battleford from time to time.
The review board issued its most recent disposition in the Larose case in late July. In that ruling the Review Board indicated they will consider Larose's request to move to the Battlefords and his request to live at his mother's residence.
The board indicated in their ruling that they want to inquire whether there is evidence requiring the structure of an approved home for Larose, citing such factors as protection of the public, his mental condition and his reintegration into society.
The board also indicated they wanted to make sure Larose is fully supported in such a move by acquiring a new Community Mental Health Nurse and a new psychiatrist, based in North Battleford. In the meantime, Larose is to remain in his approved home in Saskatoon.
