LAKELAND - A Glendon-area man who was convicted of manslaughter in the shooting deaths of two men four years ago has been granted day parole, but denied full-parole. The decision has raised concerns with the victims' family and RCMP over creating a greater divide between the Indigenous, Métis and non-Indigenous community in the area.
Four years ago Roger Bilodeau and his son Anthony chased down and shot Jacob Sansom and Maurice Cardinal. In May of 2022, Anthony BIlodeau was convicted of second degree murder and is currently serving a life sentence for the killings. Roger Bilodeau was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. During their trial, the Bilodeaus had testified that Sanson and Cardinal were in a pickup truck that had driven slowly past their rural Glendon home on the night of March 27, 2020.. Roger Bilodeu testified in court that he was fearful due to crime in the area and took chase after the vehicle, calling one of his sons on the way and telling him to bring a gun. After a seven-kilometre, at times high-speed chase, the Bilodeaus managed to cut off the truck. An altercation ensued and Bilodeau’s son, Anthony, shot and killed Sansom and Cardinal. Court hear the men were left them to die on the side of the road.
Bilodeau, now 60, received approval for day parole April 25, only a few months after being approved for unescorted temporary absences from the prison. The report does not say exactly where Bilodeau will live, but says it will be a community-based residential facility or other location as per the proposed release plan for a period of six months.
The report on Bilodeau’s parole indicated that RCMP had concerns over parole being given to the accused as “it would show the community and all neighbouring communities of the injustice for Jacob Sansom and Morris Cardinal. Further, it would create a greater divide within the area that is unnecessary and frankly displaying the holes in the justice system”.
Three victim statements were submitted by the victims’ family.
“They express concerns for the needless act that resulted in their loved one's murder and the callous way that you and co-accused left the victims at the site, with no attempt to seek help.” the parole board report reads. “They have concerns regarding your lack of accountability and efforts made to cover up and / or destroy evidence.”
The victims' family members said they have been threatened and intimidated by the Bilodeau family and supporters, citing a social media page that has caused further trauma.
Bilodeau’s wife, who spoke at his parole hearing denied knowledge of the social media page and denied harassment from their family.
Bilodeau will have a curfew, is ordered to take psychological counseling and is to have no contact with the families of the victims.
Both parole board members approved day parole and denied full parole.
