High-risk offender back in court over release conditions

Kevin Koehler is facing new allegations of breaching the terms of his release. CTV’s Krista Simpson reports.

A high-risk offender who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his roommate is once again before the courts.

Kevin Koehler admitted to fatally choking Mary Anna May in September 2013. He completed his 12-year manslaughter sentence and was released from federal prison on Oct. 16, 2025.

A day later, Koehler was rearrested for breaching court orders prohibiting him from buying alcohol. He was re-released in February 2026 after approximately three months behind bars.

But now he’s back in custody.

He was arrested once again by the Waterloo Regional Police Service on April 17, 2026.

Koehler appeared in court last week as he faces new allegations of breaching the terms of his release. He is accused of possessing or consuming alcohol and failing to report a romantic relationship.

When he virtually appeared in a courtroom on Friday, Koehler said he did not want a lawyer and was ready to plead guilty to both counts.

“I think that’s a bunch of crap”

He has maintained that he believes the imposed conditions are unfair since he has completed his manslaughter sentence.

“I’m such a bad boy. I had a drink,” he said while appearing on a video feed from Maplehurst Correctional Centre in Milton.

“I’m 61-years-old. I can’t have a drink, and I can’t have a relationship without telling somebody about it? I think that’s a bunch of crap,” he said.

The judge, Justice Pamela Borghesan, repeatedly urged Koehler to get a lawyer and said his frustration was clear.

“You’re not in a good space right now to be dealing with this,” Justice Borghesan said.

“I had a drink and I had a friend. Might as well give me life [in prison],” he snipped.

The judge voiced concerns about accepting Koehler’s guilty pleas.

However, Koehler repeated that he did not want a lawyer, despite having a legal aid certificate and lawyers willing to take on his case.

“I just want to do my time, go, leave the province, be out of here and never see this place again,” he said.

The judge ultimately refused to take his pleas and told him to return in two weeks.

“Either sentence me now or shoot me. One or the other,” Koehler said before the case was adjourned.

He is due back in court on June 19.