Convicted N.S. killer again denied early release from prison on day parole

HALIFAX - Convicted killer Doris Mae Drummond has again been denied early release from prison on day parole for a 1993 murder she maintains she did not commit.
Drummond - formerly Eisenhauer - was convicted of second-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 13 years for killing Gisele Pelzmann.
The 17-year-old Pelzmann's body was found near the second fairway on the old Ashburn Golf Course in Halifax.
On March 17, the National Parole Board appeal division affirmed an Aug. 28, 2007, decision that denied Drummond day parole.
"Ms. Drummond, we find that you have not raised any grounds that would cause the appeal division to intervene and modify the board's decision to deny day parole in your case," appeal division board members Jean-Pierre Beauchesne and Pierre Dion wrote.
It was released Wednesday to the Halifax Chronicle Herald.
"The board's decision to deny day parole is reasonable and consistent with the pre-release criteria set out in law and board policy."
Drummond's most recent psychological assessment concluded that she presents as a moderate risk to reoffend and continues to struggle with "emotions management and the use of effective coping skills."
In her appeal, Drummond, who has completed programming to address her risk factors, argued that the parole board failed to take into consideration that the media scrutiny in her case caused correctional staff and community members to be reluctant to offer support.
"Many passes were cancelled because of the media coverage, but you successfully completed the ones that were granted," the decision said.
"You are of the view that the board focused on incidents that happened in prison which are not indicative of your behaviour if released into the community."
As a result, Drummond argued, the board failed to properly assess the risk she represents.
"You add that all of the professionals who have worked with you have concluded that your risk is manageable in the community," the appeal division wrote.
Pelzmann's face had been smashed with a large rock. Her naked body was found by early-morning golfers. An autopsy revealed she wasn't sexually assaulted.
Drummond, an inmate at the medium-security Nova Institution for Women in Truro, N.S., will be eligible for full parole in November 2009.