Corrections launches probe after federally supervised offender charged in Toronto murder
Correctional Service Canada has opened an investigation after Ashton Drysdale, on conditional release, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 79-year-old Jolan Kun.
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By Torontoer Staff
Correctional Service Canada says it has launched a review after a federal offender who was under community supervision was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 79-year-old Toronto woman. Ashton Drysdale faces charges in the death of Jolan Kun, whose body was found in a St. Clair Avenue West apartment building in December.
Drysdale was granted a conditional release from federal custody just over a year ago after serving two thirds of a sentence for gun and robbery convictions. Esther Mailhot, a CSC spokesperson, confirmed the agency is investigating the circumstances surrounding the offence and the supervision that followed his release.
Timeline and charges
Drysdale, 38, began serving the sentence at the federal institution on Oct. 2, 2018. Mailhot said his statutory release eligibility date was Aug. 21, 2024, and he was released under supervision with conditions that were scheduled to remain in place until June 10, 2028.
Provincial police say Drysdale "went unlawfully at large" on March 15. Ontario court documents allege he was involved in the assault of a Toronto woman on June 7 and is charged with assault with a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public. He was arrested on Jan. 24 after police executed a search warrant at a Scarborough apartment building and charged with multiple offences.
Toronto police located Kun’s body at the St. Clair and Rushton Road area on Dec. 9, shortly after 8:20 a.m. Court records indicate her death occurred the day before. Kaream Hines, 38, has also been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Kun’s death.
What Correctional Service Canada says
It is not common for such an incident to occur while an offender is in the community. However, realizing the serious and tragic charges that have been laid, it is important that it be thoroughly reviewed to fully examine the circumstances around what happened.
Esther Mailhot, Correctional Service Canada spokesperson
Mailhot said CSC "has launched an investigation and will not hesitate to implement any measures, as determined necessary, to further enhance public safety." She added that protecting community safety and the security of institutions remains a top priority for the agency.
How statutory release works
Statutory release is mandated by federal law and is intended to move inmates through a structured reintegration process. In most cases, offenders serve the final third of their sentence in the community under supervision, unless exceptional circumstances warrant continued incarceration.
- Report to a parole officer at specified intervals
- Obey all laws and keep the peace
- Not possess weapons
- Follow any additional conditions set by CSC or the parole board
Mailhot noted those standard conditions apply to statutory and conditional releases alike. CSC said its community supervision programmes aim to reduce reoffending by providing structured oversight while gradually reintegrating individuals into the community.
Police investigations and outstanding counts
The OPP indicated Drysdale faces additional gun and drug charges related to his arrest. Members of the provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement, or R.O.P.E., Squad and Toronto police were involved in the operation that led to his detention.
Charges of first-degree murder against Drysdale and Hines will proceed through the Ontario court system. Prosecutors and police have not released additional details about motive or the events leading up to Kun’s death while those investigations continue.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jolan Kun during this difficult time.
Esther Mailhot, Correctional Service Canada spokesperson
What comes next
CSC’s internal review will examine case files, supervision decisions and any information sharing with police to determine if policies or procedures require change. The agency can adopt additional measures if the review identifies gaps that affect public safety.
Court proceedings remain the primary mechanism for determining criminal culpability. Meanwhile, agencies involved in supervision and enforcement face scrutiny over whether current practices sufficiently mitigate risks when offenders transition back into the community.
The investigation by Correctional Service Canada and ongoing police inquiries are both active. Officials say they will provide updates as permissible under privacy rules and as the legal process unfolds.
Correctional Service CanadaTorontocrimestatutory release
