One of Reena Virk’s killers granted 6 more months of day parole

Content warning: This article contains some disturbing details.

One of the killers of 14-year-old Reena Virk has been granted another six months of day parole.

Kerry Sim — previously known as Kelly Ellard — was one of the main perpetrators in the 1997 murder that saw Virk swarmed, beaten, and ultimately drowned by a group of teens.

Sim was a young offender at the time of the murder, but was tried in adult court due to the seriousness of the crime. She began serving her sentence in 2005, with full parole eligibility set at seven years.

According to documents from the Parole Board of Canada, Sim has had day parole privileges dating back to 2017. Her release has been regularly renewed, with the most recent renewal in April, with the board saying her risk “remained manageable in the community.”

As well, the parole board says she’s demonstrated good behaviour and increased accountability.

“…you have admitted having a greater role in the index offence than you would initially admit to. Additionally, it is reported you have recently demonstrated some level of remorse and victim empathy,” the board said in the most recent decision.

Some of her conditions include not consuming drugs or alcohol, not having any contact with Virk’s family, and reporting all relationships and friendships to the parole board. She also has a lifetime prohibition against owning weapons.

The notorious killing of the Victoria teen was the subject of a television series, Under the Bridge, released earlier this year.

With files from Srushti Gangdev and The Canadian Press.