The National Parole Board has granted day parole for six months to convicted killer Rachel Anne Kleven, 38.
Kleven and her then boyfriend Keith Haynes were convicted for the Jan. 29, 1995 killing of Keith's mother, Rhonda Haynes, of Cobble Hill.
The pair received second, and first-degree convictions, respectively, for the gruesome homicide. Rhonda Haynes was bludgeoned in the head with a frying pan, then gasoline was used to set fire to her residence while she was still alive. She died of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of the fire.
The Board imposed eight conditions in granting the parole. Kleven is to have no contact with any member of the victim's family without prior written permission of her parole supervisor, must immediately report all intimate sexual and non sexual relationships and friendships with females and males, and must not travel to Vancouver Island unless pre-approved in writing by her parole supervisor, as members of the victim's family still live here.
Kleven must not consume, purchase or possess alcohol, must follow a substance abuse treatment plan to be arranged by her parole supervisor, and she must not consume, purchase or possess drugs other than prescribed medication taken as prescribed and over the counter drugs taken as recommended by the manufacturer.
She must follow psychological counselling arranged by her parole supervisor to deal with her risk factors, including unresolved emotional issues and she must not associate with any person she knows or has reason to believe is involved in criminal activity or substance abuse.
This is not the first time Kleven has been granted parole.
On Dec. 5, 2006 Kleven was granted day parole, which was reevaluated every six months. On Jan. 5, 2010 full parole was denied but day parole continued.
On Aug. 24, 2011 that parole was revoked because of a series of illegal acts including purchase and use of illegal drugs and stealing over $12,000 from her employer.
In August of 2012 Kleven was reviewed for day parole but it was denied.
Since that review the Parole Board noted Kleven has participated in the Survivors of Abuse and Trauma program to help cope with her emotions. She has not been involved in further substance abuse and continues to attend Cocaine Anonymous. They also noted she has not been involved in another relationship; a pattern of inappropriate and abusive relationships has been a problem in the past.
"Your motivation is considered high as is your reintegration potential," wrote Parole Board members Bent Anderson and Linda Cross. "You have the support of your CMT and community parole for day parole. They believe you have addressed the concerns noted by the Board in the previous decision and have regained credibility."
Kleven will participate in a 12-week substance abuse treatment program before moving into second stage housing at the same facility.