A 27-year-old man accused of a stabbing incident at an Edmonton Sikh temple last month had a history of violence driven by delusions, paranoia, and conspiracy theories, according to federal parole board records. Austin Sim-Pelletier, who allegedly stabbed two men with a screwdriver at the Nanaksar Gurdwara on Aug. 21, had been released from a federal prison the day before the attack.
Documents obtained by CBC News from the Parole Board of Canada revealed Sim-Pelletier’s past incarcerations and his release on Aug. 20 under statutory release conditions. The parole board decision in July highlighted the imposition of specific conditions aimed at minimizing the risk of reoffending.
The board noted that Sim-Pelletier’s actions seemed linked to untreated mental health issues, particularly delusions and paranoia regarding his and his family’s safety. His beliefs in new world conspiracies and government control fueled a deep distrust of authority, leading to aggressive behavior against perceived threats.
A psychological assessment in May 2025 indicated a high potential for future violence from Sim-Pelletier. His criminal history included assaults in 2024, one involving severe injuries to a woman, and another where he assaulted a correctional officer while in custody.
Despite his limited criminal past, Sim-Pelletier had multiple convictions, infractions in custody, and a record of breaching conditions. The parole board released him with strict conditions, including residing in a designated facility, taking prescribed medication, reporting relationships, and adhering to a mental health treatment plan.
Furthermore, his involvement in a 2020 shooting outside a Red Deer school resulted in a three-year and seven-month sentence. Police charged Sim-Pelletier with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and mischief in connection with the temple attack. The motive behind the stabbings remains under investigation, with no indication of a hate crime connection.
Sim-Pelletier remains in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 18.