The Canadian Parole Board has denied early release to Guillermo Valle-Quintero, a 61-year-old Cuban deemed a "dangerous offender" due to his convictions for attempted murder, severe domestic violence, and death threats, according to the Toronto Sun. Valle-Quintero, who moved to Canada in 1997 after marrying a Canadian tourist, received an indefinite prison sentence in 2015 for his brutal assaults on two women in the country.
His violent history began shortly after his arrival in Canada, and his level of danger has been so pronounced that even pleas for leniency from one of his victims did not prevent him from being labeled a public threat. Valle-Quintero's case has shocked Canadian public opinion for years. In 1998, just a year after arriving in the country, he attempted to murder his lover. He ambushed her in her car, gagged her with tape, placed a bag over her head, tied her up, and locked her in the trunk. The woman managed to escape through a desperate maneuver that caught the attention of other drivers.
Instead of reforming after being sentenced to over 11 years for that attempted murder, Valle resumed his violent tendencies with another partner. Between 2010 and 2011, he repeatedly assaulted a second victim, who documented her injuries with videos out of fear he would kill her. "I kept evidence because I thought I wouldn't survive," she told authorities. Both women remain under judicial protection and their identities are kept confidential.
The Dark Past Before Canada
According to court documents, Valle-Quintero already had a criminal record in Cuba, with offenses including pimping, robbery, and burglary. It was at a Cuban resort where he met the Canadian woman who sponsored his immigration. Within a month of arriving in Canada, he was already involved in another relationship and began a cycle of abuse that continued for years. Judges have highlighted his manipulative nature in their rulings. Despite the violence he inflicted, he managed to emotionally influence his victims to the extent that one even testified on his behalf in an attempt to reduce his sentence. "That only confirms the level of psychological control he exercised," Judge Ron Minard stated during the 1999 sentencing.
Desire to Return to Cuba Thwarted by Canada
Valle-Quintero has expressed a desire to be deported to Cuba or transferred to a Cuban prison. However, by law, he can only be expelled if granted full parole, something the parole board has once again denied emphatically. The latest report emphasizes that the offender shows no remorse or willingness to change. "He has significant self-control issues, does not participate in rehabilitation programs, lacks a viable release plan, and still blames his victims," the decision states. Although deportation might be considered in the future under certain immigration processes, for now, Valle-Quintero will remain in indefinite custody in Canada.
Questions About Valle-Quintero's Case and Canadian Parole
What crimes led to Guillermo Valle-Quintero's "dangerous offender" status in Canada?
Valle-Quintero was convicted of attempted murder, severe domestic violence, and death threats, which led to his classification as a "dangerous offender" by Canadian authorities.
Why can't Valle-Quintero be deported to Cuba?
Under Canadian law, Valle-Quintero can only be deported if granted full parole, which has been denied due to his lack of remorse and failure to engage in rehabilitation efforts.
How has Valle-Quintero's case impacted Canadian public opinion?
Valle-Quintero's violent actions and manipulative behavior have shocked and horrified Canadian public opinion for years, drawing significant media attention and public discourse.