Man guilty in gas-and-dash death of Alberta gas station owner out on day parole

A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the gas-and-dashdeath of an Alberta gas station owner has been granted day parole.

Mitchell Robert Sydlowski, 31, was sentenced in September 2020 toseven years in prison for the death of 54-year-old KiYun Jo.

An agreed statement of facts said Jo was killed when Sydlowskisped off in a stolen cube van without paying for $198 offuel. Ithappened outside Jo's Fas Gas station in Thorsby, about 70kilometres southwest of Edmonton, on Oct. 6, 2017.

Documents released Tuesday by the Parole Board of Canada showSydlowski, who is from Spruce Grove, Alta., wasgranted day paroleon March 31 for six months.

"It is the board's opinion that you will not present an unduerisk to society if released on day parole and that your releasewillcontribute to the protection of society by facilitating yourreintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen,"the boardwrites in its decision.

The board notes, however, that it did consider his conviction.

"The impact on the victim's family and the overall community isnot overlooked. Serious harm criteria was met, as thevictim losthis life."

In a conversation with the board, the documents say, Sydlowskilinked his actions to drug use, isolating himself from hissupportsand not considering that his actions would take someone's life.

"You agree you stole a high number of vehicles during this timeand planned to steal fuel in order to get to yourdestination. Youwere high on methamphetamine (meth) at the time."

The board says Sydlowski completed several programs while he wasin custody, has positive support in the communityand plans tocontinue treatment for substance abuse.

As part of his release plan, he is to stay at an unidentifiedcommunity-based residential facility. He must also stay awayfromalcohol and drugs, isn't allowed to drive and cannot contact thevictim's family.

Jo's daughter, Ka Yung Jo, said in a victim impact statement atSydlowski's sentencing in 2020 that her father's deathwas the worstday of her life.

"My dad was senselessly and cruelly taken away from me," shesaid. "Since then, my world has changed completely."

She said she, her mother and her brother had to take over the gasstation and had a difficult time running the business.

They ended upselling it and moving away.

Sydlowski expressed remorse for his actions during the samehearing.

"I am so sorry for the pain I have caused your family," hesaid. "I did not intend for any of this to happen."

Sydlowski was charged with second-degree murder but pleadedguilty to manslaughter, as well as to failing to remain atthe sceneof a fatal accident. His sentence was reduced by about three yearsfor time served before his guilty plea.

The judge also imposed a 10-year driving ban.