Family of woman killed in Thunder Bay asking for answers after man convicted in her death granted parole

Family and supporters of Barbara Kentner, a woman killed in Thunder Bay, marched to the Parole Board of Canada in Ottawa on Monday to question why her killer, Brayden Bushby, is granted full parole. Barbara was the sister, mother, aunt, and friend who was loved by many. Her killer, Bushby, was 18 years old when he attacked her in 2017, throwing a trailer hitch from a passing vehicle, and she later died from her injuries.

Bushby was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison for manslaughter in 2021, but was granted full parole in August, despite having his day parole revoked earlier. The Kentner family was not consulted nor given any information regarding the terms of Bushby's parole and they have been left feeling that the justice system has failed them once again.

Barbara Kentner, who was Indigenous, is another statistic of murdered and missing Indigenous women and her murder must stop. The Parole Board of Canada and Canada's justice system must be held accountable for their actions. Bushby had previously violated several terms of his day parole in 2023, including consuming alcohol and failing to remain at the scene after reversing into another vehicle.

He was returned to custody in 2024. The Kentner family is awaiting a response from the parole board and will continue to honor the life of their loved one, a loving mother and friend.