The recent temporary release of a child murderer in Durham Region is drawing criticism from top officials across Ontario, with calls for the parole board to keep him behind bars before he’s let out again. 

On Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for an “overhaul of the system” and reversal of the parole board’s decision to allow 65-year-old Darren Scott Ray three unescorted temporary absences over the next 12 months, to support his gradual reintegration into society. 

“He should rot in jail,” Ford said. 

Ford’s criticism comes after Ray, who is currently serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old boy in 1986, was granted one of his three 72-hour unescorted temporary absences earlier this month. The reason was to “familiarize” himself with a community-based residential facility, according to a written decision from Canada’s parole board, dated Jan. 5, 2026. 

In its decision, the board stated that Ray had “elevated assessments” for general, violent and sexual recidivism and remains a “high risk/medium needs” offender. 

It outlined Ray’s history of crime before his first-degree murder conviction, including the alleged sexual abuses of an ex-girlfriend and a young girl, both of which Ray denied doing and was never criminally charged for. 

The board also stated he held “distortions” surrounding his sexual assault of the 14-year-old victim he murdered, not recognizing he could not give his consent. 

“The Board also finds that you are on a pathway to rehabilitation, have reconnected to your Indigenous roots, and have embraced its disciplines and lessons,” wrote the board. It determined that Ray would not present an undue risk to society during his unescorted temporary absences, with him displaying a high motivation to improve. 

Calls for change in Durham Region

In a statement to CBC News, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) said Chief Peter Moreira will be speaking with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) in the coming weeks to share his concerns regarding Ray’s release. 

The police service issued a community alert when Ray was first released on March 2, warning that he posed a “significant risk” to the community. 

According to DRPS spokesperson, Kristie Jones, the chief’s talks with the CSC will be centred around “adequate and consistent supervision” of Ray, enforcing his unescorted temporary absence conditions and reinforcing the need to collaborate with police to ensure “overall public safety.” 

Whitby town Coun. Chris Leahy is also urging the federal government  to “quash” the parole board’s decision. 

Leahy is looking to garner community support for his online petition, which he said he will bring to a town council meeting next week. 

Leahy said he was “disturbed” reading through the parole board’s written decision, and struggles to understand why Ray was released.

“If you are convicted for a lifetime sentence of murdering a child, I’m sorry, you should not be allowed back anywhere,” Leahy said. 

Leahy said he is demanding that Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree complete a “review” of the parole board. 

CBC News has reached out to the minister’s office for comment. 

Leahy said he also wants improvements to how the community is alerted to violent offender releases, with more advance notice given to municipalities.