When people talk about the 1997 murder of Reena Virk, the conversation usually shifts to the brutality of it all. It was a crime that shook Saanich, British Columbia, to its core. But lately, there's been a massive surge in interest regarding one of the perpetrators. If you've been following the headlines or watched the Hulu series Under the Bridge, you’re probably wondering about Warren Glowatski today.
Where is he? Is he still in prison? Honestly, the reality of his life now is a far cry from the "gangster" persona he tried to project as a teenager.
The Quiet Reality of Full Parole
Warren Glowatski is a free man. He has been for quite a while.
He was granted full parole back in June 2010. That might come as a shock if you're only just learning about the case, but the Canadian legal system—and specifically the parole board—saw something in him that they didn't see in his co-convict, Kelly Ellard.
Today, Glowatski lives a remarkably private life. He isn't on Instagram chasing clout. He isn't doing the talk-show circuit. He basically disappeared into the fabric of society, which is exactly what the restorative justice process intended for him.
He's in his mid-forties now.
Think about that for a second. He was just 16 when the crime happened. He spent the entirety of his young adulthood behind bars or under strict supervision. By the time he was granted full release, he had already spent years on day parole, living in halfway houses and working jobs in the service industry while attending school.
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Why His Path Diverged from Kelly Ellard
You can't talk about Glowatski without mentioning Kelly Ellard (who now goes by Kerry Sim). Their paths couldn't be more different.
While Ellard spent decades fighting her convictions and had her parole revoked as recently as 2025 due to drug use and "negative behavior," Glowatski took a different route. It was the "hard way." He admitted everything. He didn't hide behind lawyers or technicalities during his parole hearings.
He actually sat in a circle with Reena’s parents, Suman and Manjit Virk.
That meeting is probably the most famous part of his rehabilitation. Most people can't imagine forgiving the person who killed their child. But Suman Virk did. She famously described him as an "angry, scared little kid" who grew into a man willing to take accountability.
The Restorative Justice Factor
What is Warren Glowatski today doing to stay on the right side of the law? It comes down to the work he did at Ferndale Institution.
While incarcerated, Glowatski discovered his Métis heritage. This wasn't just a fun fact for him; it changed his entire approach to justice. He started working with elders. He participated in healing circles. He even mentored at-risk youth, trying to stop them from making the same catastrophic mistakes he made.
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At his last public hearing, he said something that sticks with people: "I have more of a life sentence inside me than I ever will outside."
His parole conditions were standard but strict:
- No drugs or alcohol.
- No contact with known criminals.
- Regular check-ins with a parole officer.
- Staying away from the Virk family (unless they initiated contact).
He hasn't breached those conditions. For more than fifteen years, he has stayed off the radar.
Addressing the Misconceptions
There’s a common myth that he "got off easy."
People see "10 years in prison" and think it’s a slap on the wrist for murder. But in Canada, a second-degree murder charge for a minor carries a life sentence with a specific parole eligibility window. He didn't just walk out of jail and forget it happened. Because he is on life parole, he is technically under the supervision of the Correctional Service of Canada for the rest of his life.
If he so much as gets into a bar fight or hangs out with the wrong person, he can be sent right back to a federal penitentiary.
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Another misconception is that he was the "leader." Most evidence and testimony, including Glowatski’s own confession, pointed to him being a follower who got caught up in a horrific mob mentality. That doesn't excuse him—and he’s been the first to say that—but it explains why the parole board saw him as a candidate for successful reintegration.
What We Can Learn from His Case
The story of Warren Glowatski today is really a case study in whether or not people can actually change.
If you believe the purpose of prison is purely punishment, his freedom might bother you. But if you believe in the possibility of rehabilitation, he is often cited by experts as the "gold standard" of how the system is supposed to work. He took a life, he served his time, he faced the victims, and he became a productive member of society.
Practical Takeaways:
- Restorative Justice Works: The Virk family’s involvement in Glowatski’s journey shows that healing is possible through dialogue, though it is incredibly rare and difficult.
- Accountability is Key: The reason Glowatski is free while Ellard has struggled is simple: he took responsibility early.
- The Power of Identity: Discovering his Métis roots provided a framework for Glowatski to understand his own trauma and the harm he caused.
It’s a heavy story. It’s not "feel-good," but it is a real look at the messy, complicated process of redemption.
If you are looking for more information on the legal nuances of this case, you can explore the official records of the Parole Board of Canada or read Manjit Virk’s book, Reena: A Father’s Story, which provides an intimate look at the family’s perspective on Warren's transformation.