Day parole continued for convicted killer of Okotoks teen

The convicted killer of an Okotoks teen can remain on day parole for six more months. 

Tristan Ryan, formerly Bradley Paetsch, was released on day parole in May. The Parole Board of Canada completed a six-month review in October and determined that Ryan could continue his parole. 

The decision states that it is the board’s opinion that Ryan will not present an undue risk to society. 

Ryan, now 52, was convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 16-year-old Stephanie Spooner in her Okotoks home on Jan. 23, 1991.   

Ryan was 18 at the time and had served six months in a juvenile facility for attempting to stab Spooner a year prior. 

He was granted full parole in 2018, but it was later revoked for violations. At the time, he had served 27 years of a life sentence. A subsequent request for day parole in 2022 was denied. 

Conditions that were attached to Ryan's day parole earlier this year remain in place. 

Among them are no contact with the victim's family and an order not to consume or purchase alcohol or drugs. 

Since being granted day parole, the board said Ryan has completed programming, maintained employment and attended counselling. 

The board said he presents a moderate risk of violence towards a partner and low risk towards others in a domestic context. 

The board determined that Ryan's continued release will contribute to the protection of society by enabling reintegration as a law-abiding citizen.