Edmonton·New
A serial sex offender known as the “balaclava rapist” for attacking 23 women in Edmonton more than 40 years ago has been granted full parole while he continues to serve three consecutive life sentences.
Serial sex offender attacked women over several years before arrest in 1983
A serial sex offender known as the “balaclava rapist” for attacking 23 women in Edmonton more than 40 years ago has been granted full parole while he continues to serve three consecutive life sentences.
The Parole Board of Canada says 71-year-old Larry Takahashi has demonstrated prolonged stability at the home where he lives and he is “highly motivated to reintegrate safely back into society.”
He gained his nickname for wearing a ski mask during a series of attacks on women over several years in Edmonton before his arrest in 1983, which led to a guilty plea on 14 charges.
The board’s decision, made in Abbotsford, B.C., on June 25 but released to the media Monday, says Takahashi’s psychological assessment concludes his risk to reoffend either sexually or violently is “relatively low or well below average.”
It says that he has completed all recommended prison and community programs, has met regularly with a psychologist and remains open to counselling, if recommended.
His plan for full parole includes living in a home he has rented in a location not disclosed in the decision, and that he is able to support himself financially.