Toronto, ON – Melissa Todorovic, the Toronto woman convicted of first-degree murder in the 2008 killing of 14-year-old Stefanie Rengel, has been granted six months of day parole by the Parole Board of Canada. The decision will allow Todorovic, now in her 30s, to reside in a halfway house once a bed becomes available and live under strict supervision and conditions.
Todorovic was 15 years old when she pressured her then-boyfriend, David Bagshaw, into stabbing Rengel multiple times on New Year’s Day 2008. The murder, which shocked Toronto, was motivated by jealousy over Rengel’s past relationship with Bagshaw. Todorovic was found guilty in 2009 and sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility after seven years.
In granting day parole, the panel cited Todorovic’s good institutional behaviour and what it described as “notable progress” in rehabilitation efforts. “It is the board’s opinion that you will not, by reoffending, present an undue risk to society if released on day parole and that your release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen,” the decision reads.
As part of her release, Todorovic must report all personal relationships to her parole supervisor, avoid contact with members of the victim’s family, adhere to a nightly curfew, and continue psychological counselling.
This is not Todorovic’s first time on parole. She was previously granted day parole in 2018 but returned to custody early after being found involved in a secret love triangle with two men, violating the terms of her release. In 2024, she was granted limited 15-day unescorted absences to a halfway house, which she completed successfully.
Both Todorovic and Bagshaw are serving life sentences for the murder, though Bagshaw remains incarcerated. Todorovic’s release will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with conditions and to support her reintegration into society.