The release of a man who killed two Indigenous women has sparked renewed anger and fresh demands for reform in Canada’s justice system, with families saying the system continues to fail Indigenous women and girls.
Shawn Lamb, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2012 killings of Carolyn Sinclair and Lorna Blacksmith, was released on statutory conditions earlier this month after serving two-thirds of his 20-year sentence. While statutory release is standard for most federal offenders, it does not apply to life or indeterminate sentences — which critics argue should be imposed in cases involving multiple homicides.
For family members, Lamb’s return to the community is another painful reminder of how the justice system often overlooks the needs and suffering of Indigenous families.
Melissa Robinson, cousin of victim Morgan Harris, said Lamb’s release is a “deep injustice” and insisted that people convicted of multiple killings should face consecutive life sentences. She emphasized that the voices and pain of victims’ families must be central to the justice process, adding that offenders should not be allowed to return home while families continue to endure immense grief and lifelong trauma.
Robinson and others say the case highlights a larger pattern in which violence against Indigenous women is not met with adequate accountability, urging lawmakers to take meaningful steps toward justice reform that prioritizes safety, fairness, and the lived experiences of Indigenous communities.