The family of Michelle Stewart is devastated after her murderer was granted parole, leaving them in shock and seeking answers.
Ayrshire: Michelle’s sister, Lisa, is feeling overwhelmed after hearing that her sister’s killer was granted parole this week. It’s just so hard to process.
Michelle was only 17 when John Wilson took her life back in 2008. Lisa has always said that Michelle’s spirit gives them strength, but this news is tough to handle.
Lisa shared, “I’m quite numb to the news to be honest. I really didn’t think he would get it this time.” It’s been a long road for the family, and they thought they had more time.
She explained that they were worried about Wilson getting out before, but the long wait this time made them hopeful. “It’s disappointing, and I’m going to take it further,” she said.
Lisa was left in the dark about the decision. She had to call to find out what happened after waiting for hours. The only info she got was that Wilson has to stay away from Michelle’s friends and family.
“I wasn’t told any more than that,” she added, frustrated. “I’m looking for more clarification because we were asking if he would be electronically monitored. How else would they police that properly?”
Wilson was sentenced to life and had to serve 12 years before being considered for parole. He had been denied parole four times before this, so it’s a shock for the family.
Lisa believes there should be stricter rules for people like Wilson. “They shouldn’t have freedom when they’re out,” she said. “It’s a life sentence, after all.”
She’s worried about running into him. “Any time we go outside of Ayrshire, we’re going to be anxious that we bump into him,” she said. It’s a tough situation for them.
It’s hard for Lisa to accept that Wilson can live his life while Michelle is gone. “He’s never shown any remorse,” she said. “A ‘sorry’ won’t bring Michelle back, but it feels like he thinks he can justify what he did.”
Since Michelle’s murder, the family has been advocating for change through Michelle’s Law, aiming to raise awareness about the issues they’ve faced.
Even though they got the news they dreaded, Lisa is determined to keep fighting. “Getting this basic information is frustrating and exhausting,” she said. “We feel restricted and punished.”
She wants more transparency in the system for families like theirs. “There are things we should know for our safety,” she added. “It’s hard to accept that he’ll be out living his life.”
Lisa plans to share their experience with the parole system to push for changes that favor victims. “There still needs to be many changes,” she said, emphasizing the need for reform.
The Parole Board for Scotland doesn’t comment on individual cases, but they do notify registered victims about parole decisions.
