Man convicted of trailer hitch death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ont., gets day parole extension

< warm>WARNING: This story contains inside information of force against Indigenous women, as swell as references to racialist beliefs and behaviours. Resources can be found at the bottom of this story.

The man convicted of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ont., has been granted three more months of day parole in a community-based residential facility.

Kentner, a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, is remembered by her family as a loving mother, sister, cousin and aunt. 

She was 34 years old when she died from medical complications in the months after being struck by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle. The incident made headlines in the ongoing discussion about the disproportionate violence facing Indigenous women and girls.  

In June 2021, Bushby was sentenced to eight years in prison for Kentner’s death. Due to time already served, his sentence was reduced to seven years and 11 months.

Bushby was first granted day parole in August 2023, which was then revoked in July 2024 after the Parole Board of Canada said he violated various conditions.  

He was then granted day parole again in December 2025 for six months and denied full parole.

The Parole Board of Canada is ordering a panel hearing to determine whether Bushby will be granted full parole in the future.

“Your index offence is serious and violent and resulted in the loss of life to the victim. The impact to the victim's family and the community is significant,” documents from the parole board say.

“You have had a previous period of federal release, which was similar to a full parole release due to it being day parole [in another] location, which was revoked since you returned to a pattern of high-risk behaviour, including drinking and being with a negative associate.

“Therefore, the board would like to discuss how you have enhanced your skills so that you do not fall back into these patterns.”

Bushby, 27, has two children. His day parole is subject to him abiding by a number of conditions, such as not consuming alcohol or drugs, respecting a curfew, reporting his relationships, and not associating with those involved in known criminal activity as well as members of Kentner’s family.

He must also follow a treatment plan arranged by his parole supervisor related to “substance abuse, mental health, attitude and emotions management,” the parole board’s documents say.

When Bushby was first on day parole, he got a Confederate flag tattooed on his chest, “a symbol widely considered to be associated with racist ideologies,” according to the documents.

Bushby was involved in a minor vehicle collision in March 2024. He left the scene and failed to report the incident to his case management team.

“It was also noted that you were suspected to be involved in the theft of a motor vehicle,” the documents continue.

The following month, Bushby was pulled over and found to be under the influence of alcohol.

After his day parole was revoked, Bushby returned to a correctional institution. In August 2025, the parole board said he was referred to work with a Black offender liaison officer after being observed on video surveillance “cutting a swastika into the institutional lawn.”

Since then, the parole board says Bushby appears to be “finally reaching a level of maturity.”

“You recognize a problem exists with your lifestyle. You are remorseful with the choices you made which led to your incarceration and are actively working on making improvements to yourself,” it says.

Correctional Service Canada recommends Bushby be granted full parole immediately, as he has “demonstrated an ability to engage in pro-social activities within the community that promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Bushby has expressed desires to live in his own home in Ontario if granted full parole, the documents say.

He has already secured full-time employment, should this be approved, and has family support as well as savings from an inheritance to fall back on.

It is unclear when Bushby’s full parole panel hearing will occur.

Support is available for anyone affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Immediate emotional assistance and crisis support is available 24/7 through a national hotline at 1-844-413-6649.

Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

Reporter

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