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A convicted murderer serving a sentence for crimes committed in British Columbia has been attending law school at McGill University in Montreal, sparking significant controversy among students and legal professionals. Jeffrey Ewert, now in his 60s, enrolled at the university’s law faculty in September after receiving day parole in 2025 following 40 years in federal prison. News of his enrollment spread in early October, and McGill subsequently barred him from campus.
Crimes That Shocked a Prosecutor
Rick Miller, a former prosecutor and retired judge who handled Ewert’s case, described him in stark terms. “This guy was the most brutal and evil that I dealt with,” Miller told Global News. He added that Ewert was “as bad as they come.”
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In 1984, Ewert choked a 19-year-old woman unconscious and sexually assaulted her. He then dumped her in the Fraser River, where she later died. Six weeks after that attack, Ewert strangled a 15-year-old girl unconscious in the basement of his adoptive parents’ home in Surrey. He then drove her to a drainage ditch and dragged her out, causing her head to strike the pavement. She survived, but suffered severe brain damage and permanent paralysis.
Ewert initially faced a first-degree murder conviction. However, he appealed and the verdict was overturned, leading to a new trial. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Miller noted that the sentencing judge considered Ewert a lifelong danger and recommended that the Parole Board never authorize his release. Despite that recommendation, the board granted him day parole last year.
During the original proceedings, Ewert raised an insanity defence in both cases. The Crown’s psychiatrist rejected that claim. “He was in fact a psychopathic killer,” Miller recalled the psychiatrist testifying. Miller said he had long believed Ewert would remain behind bars for the rest of his life. “I always took solace from belief and understanding that he would remain in custody until he died, but then he didn’t,” he said.
McGill Students Divided Over Ewert’s Enrollment
News of Ewert’s presence at McGill divided the student body. Some expressed fear and disbelief. Student Leah Kropf told Global News it was “scary and kind of unbelievable” that many applicants are rejected each year, yet Ewert gained admission.
Others took a more measured view. “I believe in second chances. I believe in rehabilitation,” said student Ines Keita. “People make mistakes and I also feel like if he got liberated, he has the right to rehab, do something with his life and get an education.”
Meanwhile, student Isabelle Munoz said she felt unsafe. “I would not feel safe being in class with him. I would not feel safe being on campus around him,” she said.
McGill Reviews Its Admissions Process
McGill University told Global News that privacy laws prevent it from discussing individual student cases. However, the university confirmed that student safety remains its top priority. It also said it would actively review its admissions processes to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future.
In a letter sent to students over the weekend, the McGill administration reaffirmed its belief in second chances and the transformative power of education. At the same time, the letter made clear that student safety comes first and that the matter is currently under review. Ewert remains barred from campus while that process continues.
