Parole board lifts alcohol restriction on B.C. man who killed at age 14

VANCOUVER – A parole board member has removed a ban on drinking alcohol for a young man who will spend the rest of his life under supervision for second-degree murder near 100 Mile House, B.C.

Chad Bucknell was 14 in 1996 when he took part in the murders of four people.

A ruling issued by the National Parole Board on Thursday says Bucknell, now in his mid-30s, is making progress, and the condition to abstain from alcohol is not necessary to manage his risk.

The ruling says Bucknell has breached his conditions to abstain from alcohol three times since 2007 while out on parole, and he admitted to once having a glass of wine at lunch with his girlfriend.

Bucknell and his co-accused James Ruscitti were convicted of killing Ruscitti's parents, a border at the home and a 17-year-old woman who had a two-month old baby with her.

The infant was found alive with the bodies in the house two days later but she was so dehydrated that doctors said she was just hours from death.

The board ruling says Bucknell has made slow and steady progress in the undisclosed community where he lives.

"You have expressed a desire to be normal and you appear to be working hard on your successful reintegration."

The decision says Bucknell has matured and appears to understand that he needs to address challenges in a "pro-social manner."

"The board concludes that the changes will not increase the risk that (Bucknell) presents to society."

A condition that he not consume drugs other than prescribed medication remains in place.