UPDATE: An urgent plea from Jan Garabedian, the grieving mother of murder victim Clare Garabedian, comes as convicted killer Martin Coates could be released from prison as early as next month. The heartbreaking news adds to the emotional turmoil for the Garabedian family, as they fear Coates may soon walk free into their community.
Jan Garabedian, now 81 years old, expressed her anguish and disbelief in an interview with The West Australian, stating, “It can’t happen.” Coates, who was convicted for his role in the brutal murder of Clare in 1998, is scheduled for a review by the Prisoners Review Board in mid-January 2024 for potential parole or participation in a resocialization program.
Clare Garabedian was only 21 years old when she was lured to the Great Eastern Motor Lodge in Rivervale, where she was injected with heroin and subsequently smothered. Coates orchestrated the murder to eliminate her as a witness in a case involving him and his girlfriend, Amanda Kaylene Hoy. Reports indicate that Coates paid $2,000 to a contract killer, known as “Mr. X,” to carry out the crime.
As Ms. Garabedian prepares for a new year filled with memories of her daughter and her late husband, Gary, who drowned in 1993, she is filled with dread over Coates’ possible release. “I just don’t want him out in Australia. I really believe that he should be deported,” she said. “I can’t imagine what it would be like having him released here. I really can’t.”
The emotional weight of the situation is compounded by the timing, as it marks the anniversary of her husband’s passing. “It’s still raw, because it keeps coming back. If it was left in the past, it would be best; but to do this sort of thing, it just brings it back,” Ms. Garabedian added.
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Tony Buti confirmed that the Prisoners Review Board is set to assess Coates during the upcoming statutory review. Following this hearing, the Board will provide a report for the Attorney General’s consideration.
Coates was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years, which was later reduced to 23 years after a retrial in 2007. In contrast, Thomas Nicholls, who was also involved in the murder, has already been released on parole in 2021. Meanwhile, Hoy was released on compassionate grounds in 2018 before passing away shortly after from cancer.
As this story develops, the Garabedian family and others affected by this tragic case anxiously await the outcome of the upcoming review. The potential for Coates’ release raises significant concerns about public safety and justice for victims.
Ms. Garabedian continues to advocate for tougher measures, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of the community over the rights of convicted criminals. “Just let him out and deport him and put him to rest,” she implored.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation as the Prisoners Review Board prepares to meet and make critical decisions that could affect the lives of many.
