On September 29, 2000, Brooke Ivie Clapson was brutally stabbed to death in Rocky Mountain House by her abusive ex-boyfriend.  Brooke had broke up with him in March 2000 and had started to put her life together again after being in their abusive relationship for 2 years.

Brooke started to work on a road crew and was looking forward to a trip to Europe with her best friend.  Brooke’s killer followed her to Rocky Mountain House where he convinced her once again to let him stay.  He started the cycle of abuse all over again.  During the wrap up party prior to returning to Calgary, Brooke told him they were finished once and for all. 

He convinced her to return to their room so they could talk.  He became contrite and remorseful and wanted to show her that he was truly sorry.  When they entered their room, it was then he cornered her and stabbed her 33 times. 

Brooke suffered from defensive wounds to her head, hands and her back as she curled up to protect her core from the onslaught of blows.  The wound that killed her pierced her heart through her back.

Brooke’s killer was tried and convicted of Second Degree Murder.  He was sentenced to a life sentence with eligibility for parole in 10 years.  At this point in time in 2008, he is already out on supervised day passes.  He will be up for parole hearing in the next few months.

The family of Brooke is once again living in fear pending the parole hearings and possibility of being released.  They want the politicians to get tougher on crime.  They need your help in demanding the following amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada pertaining to murder:

- A mandatory 15-year parole ineligibility for anyone convicted of second-degree murder who has previous violent-offence convictions.
- A mandatory first-degree murder conviction for any offender with a past history of domestic abuse as this behavior clearly defines these homicides as "planned and deliberate" in accordance with the Criminal Code's Section 231 (2)
- A return to the mandatory first-degree murder convictions given to anyone involved in the course and commission of an indictable offence that causes -- either directly or indirectly -- someone's death.

Brooke didn’t deserve to be murdered.  She deserved to live a full life, visit Europe with her best friend and be the loving daughter to the mother who still misses her each day.

We need to speak out.  When is enough finally going to be enough?

Show your support for Brooke and her family.  We urge you to email the Prime Minister and demand his government act.    Harper.S@parl.gc.ca