Ashleigh Pechaluk, acquitted of murder in 2009, is speaking out as her former girlfriend, Nicola Puddicombe, seeks an early parole hearing. Puddicombe was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2006 death of Dennis Hoy, Pechaluk's lover at the time. The case has resurfaced as Puddicombe, now 52, argues for a chance to apply for parole before her scheduled date in May 2032.

Pechaluk has long been implicated in the murder, but she maintains her innocence. "She testified for over five days at her trial. Her story was vigorously tested and the jury accepted it," said her lawyer, Peter Zaduk, in a statement. He emphasized that Pechaluk was never involved in the murder, asserting that it was Puddicombe who orchestrated the crime.

During Puddicombe's recent hearing, she claimed that Pechaluk was the one who struck Hoy with an axe, stating that she merely gave her partner the go-ahead. Puddicombe testified that Pechaluk knew Hoy had been abusive, which she argued justified the murder. However, Puddicombe was the only one convicted, receiving a life sentence without parole for 25 years.

Pechaluk's acquittal stemmed from a separate trial where the jury did not hear about a police interview in which she allegedly confessed to the murder. This confession was excluded from evidence because she had not been informed of her right to legal counsel. Pechaluk's defense maintains that her confession was coerced during a lengthy interrogation, where she was denied access to a lawyer and subjected to pressure from police.

Zaduk stated, "Despite being pressured by Ms. Puddicombe to assist her to kill Dennis Hoy, she resisted and never agreed to help. She took no part in his murder." He described the confession as "worthless" and noted that Pechaluk was unable to provide any details about the murder during the interrogation.

The faint-hope clause, which allows individuals serving life sentences to apply for parole after 15 years, is no longer available for crimes committed after December 2011. Puddicombe's lawyers argue that she has taken steps to rehabilitate herself, participating in programs focused on healthy relationships and boundaries.

The Crown, however, contends that Puddicombe continues to downplay her involvement in Hoy's murder. They argue that both women had conspired to kill Hoy to collect on a $250,000 life insurance policy. Evidence presented during Pechaluk's trial indicated that she had expressed a desire to harm Hoy in her journal, citing his abusive behavior.

As the jury deliberates on Puddicombe's request for early parole, Pechaluk's lawyer expressed disappointment over the Crown's portrayal of her client. "It is disappointing that the verdict of Ashleigh’s jury has been disrespected by the Crown in the Puddicombe faint hope application," Zaduk said. He reiterated that Pechaluk has lived a law-abiding life since her acquittal and has the support of friends and family who believe in her innocence.

The outcome of Puddicombe's hearing remains pending, as the jury weighs the arguments presented by both sides regarding her eligibility for parole.