Nearly 26 years have passed since Sean Simmons was fatally shot in a Dartmouth apartment building lobby, and some of the individuals involved in his murder are still navigating the legal system. Recently, the Parole Board of Canada decided to extend Neil William Smith’s day parole for an additional six months.
Smith, along with Dean Daniel Kelsie and Wayne Alexander James, received life sentences for the killing of Simmons in October 2000. Testimony during the trials suggested that a Hells Angel orchestrated the murder after accusing Simmons of having an affair with his girlfriend.
Smith, now 68, was apprehended in April 2001, found guilty of both conspiracy and first-degree murder, and handed a life imprisonment term in 2003. During a previous parole hearing, Smith alleged that Simmons had stolen from him on three occasions, stating that allowing the victim to escape would have portrayed him as weak and encouraged others to do the same.
The parole board emphasized that Smith’s involvement with the Hells Angels was continuous and severe from 1987 to 2003, citing various criminal charges such as conspiracy to commit murder, possession of prohibited weapons, drug trafficking, and possession of illegal gambling machines.
Smith was initially granted day parole in August of the prior year, following several successful temporary absences. Despite expressing interest in seeking part-time employment for routine, the board noted that his current receipt of federal pensions renders work non-essential.
Kelsie and James have also transitioned to day parole. Another individual, Steven Gareau, faced two murder convictions related to Simmons’s death, but his conviction was stayed in 2024.
The board acknowledged the sentiments shared by Simmons’s family, who believe they are enduring a perpetual punishment and doubt Smith’s capacity for rehabilitation or eligibility for parole.