'Hemlock Rapist' who terrorized Calgary neighbourhood gets day parole

The Calgary man known as the Hemlock Rapist has been granted day parole.

Emile Joseph Cromwell got his nickname after raping four women in southwest Calgary's Hemlock Crescent area between 1988 and 1992. He has been serving a 20-year sentence for break-and-enter with intent, sexual assault with a weapon and sexual assault causing bodily harm.

At a July 27 parole hearing at the Bowden Institution in central Alberta, the Parole Board of Canada granted Cromwell day parole for six months where he will be allowed to live in a community residential centre.

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"The board finds you have prepared yourself for the next step in your release plan," the panel wrote. "Your continued progress has sufficiently reduced your risk."

But the board denied Cromwell's request for full parole.

"You require a period of community supervision with the structure of day parole to demonstrate further progress and continued stability."

Cromwell broke into the homes of his victims after finding their doors unlocked, struck them on the head with a beer bottle to get them to stop screaming, tied their hands and covered their faces with a pillowcase. One of the victims was underage.

DNA tests led to confession

The crimes remained unsolved until 2004 when he was asked to provide DNA samples and test results matched DNA gathered from the victims. He subsequently confessed to his crimes.

Cromwell, who is now 73, was granted unescorted temporary absences last year.

He is forbidden to contact any of his victims who ranged in age from 13 to 29. Cromwell is also to avoid contact with any female under the age of 18.

The parole board believes Cromwell is at low risk to reoffend and has made significant progress.

"You told the board you had problems with anger, depression, unresolved childhood issues, marriage problems and a tendency to isolate. You also acknowledged sexually deviant thoughts," reads the decision.

"The board found you accept full responsibility, to have insight, and to have sincere regret for the harm you caused."

Cromwell could apply for full parole again but, regardless of the board's decision, will be free in less than a year.

His statutory release in April 2018, which is mandatory release after serving two thirds of his sentence.

He will be monitored until at least 2025 when his full sentence is up.

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