Cop killer with ties to Sault gets probation extension

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One of the two men convicted of killing Sudbury Const. Joe MacDonald – and the only one still alive – has been granted an extension to his probation.

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Peter Pennett, now 60, went on trial in 1995 for his role in the murder of MacDonald, a popular football coach and father of two young children. The anniversary of that brutal death – October 7th – was marked just last week.

Clinton Suzack, the co-defendant in the murder, was released from prison before Pennett but died of natural causes earlier this year while staying at a halfway house.

Pennett qualified for unaccompanied temporary absences in 2022 and was released to a nursing home on day parole a year ago, meaning he must return to the facility every night.

In a decision made last week, the parole board agreed that Pennett can continue in his current situation for another six months, with the same conditions remaining in effect.

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This includes avoiding drugs and alcohol, having no contact with victims and not entering the Algoma or Sudbury areas.

The location of the halfway house Pennett was assigned to is not specified in the parole board document.

Pennett grew up in Sault Ste. Marie area from a non-native mother and an indigenous stepfather. According to the parole board, he identifies as Indigenous – specifically an Ojibway from the Garden River First Nation – because of his stepfather’s influence.

While the perpetrator said his personal life was positive, he began experimenting with drugs as a teenager.

“Out of a desire to be accepted by your peers, you began to engage with bad influences,” the parole board report said. “The drug use started with cannabis and progressed to intravenous use of speed. They recognize that drug use and crime have taken over.”

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Prior to the fatal incident in Sudbury, Pennett had already been charged with a number of offenses including multiple burglaries, theft, drug possession and possession of stolen goods.

On October 7, 1993, he was in a vehicle with Suzack when MacDonald stopped her on Gordon Street in New Sudbury. A confrontation ensued in which the city police officer was killed in an exchange of gunfire.

MacDonald suffered seven gunshot wounds, three of them to the back of the head.

Both defendants denied shooting MacDonald, but were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Since his initial release from a halfway house — or a community-based residential facility (CBRF), as the parole board calls it — last fall, Pennett has passed urine tests for drug use and is completing daily alcohol tests without concerns, the agency said.

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“You spend your free time at the CBRF or in the gym,” the decision states. “You are cooperating with CBRF staff, and although it took some time to adjust to the community after a long period of incarceration, you have been open and forthcoming with your (case management team) regarding fears and concerns.”

Pennett has accomplished goals in the community such as opening a bank account, finding a doctor, doing taxes and contacting an elder and the Indigenous community liaison officer.

“In terms of employment, you currently work part-time for the CBRF performing maintenance and supervisory duties,” the board said. “You express interest in returning to your previous job as a drywaller. Your (team) reports that you have made positive progress.”

Pennett ultimately wants to get his own apartment, but has to stay in the halfway house for now.

“The Board recognizes that you remain at moderate risk of violent recidivism and a low to moderate risk of general recidivism,” the decision said. “Continued day probation will provide you with the high level of structure, supervision and resources needed to manage these risks, while supporting your safe reintegration.”

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