Medicine Hat teen killer slated for release

An Albertan teen who killed her parents and younger brother when she was 12 is a low risk for future violence and will be allowed to live in the community, a judge decided Tuesday at her sentence review.

The girl, who cannot be named, and her then-boyfriend Jeremy Steinke, who was 23, carried out the attack on her parents and eight-year-old brother at the familys Medicine Hat, Alta. home in 2006.

She wasconvicted in 2007of three counts of first-degree murder and began her 10-year-sentence at a psychiatric hospital.

The girls "intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision sentence" is reviewed twice per year and Court of Queens Bench Justice Scott Brooker is given an update on her progress.

Brooker said Tuesday the latest psychologist report shows the girl is cooperating fully with staff within the treatment program.

The girl known only as J.R.has displayed "exemplary behaviour", Brooker said.

"You are entering into a new phase in your program which is integration into the community. I'm sure it will not be particularly easy for you having been in a custodial setting," Brooker told JR at the hearing as he set out a list of conditions for her release.

At the end of the hearing J.R. spoke about her treatment. "I'm very grateful ... it has really helped me to grow," she said.

Beginning in November J.R. will be allowed to live at an Alberta residence approved by her probation officer, report to authorities once a week and notify her probation officer if she moves.

She will be under a daily curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., continue with her treatments and not use illicit substances or have any weapons.

A peace officer or probation officer will monitor JRs use of social networking sites, Brooker said. J.R.s sentence will be reviewed again next March.

Steinke was sentenced to life in prison for his part in the killings, which the pair carried out because the parents didn't approve of their relationship.