Convicted murderer Jeffrey Ewert, whose attendance at McGill University sparked controversy among students, has been returned to custody while authorities review his conditional release.
According to CTV News, Ewert had been attending law classes at the Montreal university since the beginning of the semester.
Ewert was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder following violent attacks on two females in British Columbia in 1984.
Court records show he sexually assaulted and strangled a young woman who later died. He also attacked a 15-year-old girl, leaving her blind, quadriplegic and with severe brain damage.
His presence at McGill divided students, prompting competing petitions demanding either his removal from campus or his return to classes.
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) confirmed that a suspension warrant had been issued for his conditional release.
“The offender has returned to custody while a more thorough assessment of the situation is being conducted,” CSC said.
CSC spokesperson Kevin Antonucci explained that conditional release can be suspended when authorities believe an offender has breached release conditions or can no longer be safely supervised in the community.
McGill has also been reviewing its protocols following concerns surrounding Ewert’s attendance.
