Karla

On 11 May 2000, Dr. Arnold starts a session with Karla Homolka at Regional Psychiatric Centre to assess her parole suitability. He shows her a photo album of herself and Paul Bernardo during happier times, prompting Karla to recall how they first met. The conversation becomes tense when the subject of Tammy Homolka is raised, making Karla uncooperative.

In the following weeks, Dr. Arnold probes Karla about Paul’s hidden life as a serial rapist. It is revealed that Paul began raping women shortly before their marriage, and Karla helped him obtain Halcion from a veterinary clinic to facilitate assaults. Karla’s disclosures reveal the depth of Paul’s violence and her own complicity, setting the stage for further events.

Shortly before their marriage, Paul rapes Tammy Homolka after she is drugged at a Christmas party. Karla initially resists but ultimately participates; Tammy dies after choking on her vomiting, and the couple hides the evidence to make the death appear accidental. The act marks a turning point that deepens Paul’s control over Karla.

Following Tammy’s death, Paul begins to beat Karla, and she learns not to jeopardize his ‘movies.’ His obsession with Tammy continues, with Karla watching and being drawn into his escalating needs. The power dynamic in their relationship becomes increasingly dangerous.

Karla reveals that Paul became fixated on Tammy, repeatedly watching the videos and even showing them to friends. He threatens to reveal Karla’s involvement if she tries to interfere, and eventually she decides to leave him, though her escape is not immediate. The relationship remains tangled as Karla contemplates her safety.

Paul abducts a young girl named Tina and forces her to undress on camera. Karla is present but too afraid to intervene as Tina is held for three days and repeatedly assaulted on video. Paul ultimately strangles Tina, citing that she could identify them both.

On the day of Paul and Karla’s wedding, Tina’s body is discovered and identified by dental records. The discovery accelerates the unraveling of their relationship, as friends begin to distance themselves from Paul. The case shifts from hidden crimes to public scrutiny.

After Tina, Paul resumes abducting and raping another girl, Kaitlyn. Karla watches, ultimately crying, and is coerced into helping videotape the assault. Paul’s violence continues, and he again beats Karla for interfering or failing to stop him.

Kaitlyn’s disappearance triggers intense media and police attention. To avoid exposure, Paul murders Kaitlyn. Karla is left to confront the horror of what is happening and her own role in the events.

Police arrive at Paul and Karla’s home as part of the investigation. Paul appears cooperative at first, but then violently assaults Karla. She seeks refuge with friends, and Paul is booked for domestic violence but released after one night.

DNA samples Paul provided for a Scarborough rape investigation are matched to evidence found on a murder victim. This link expands the case beyond rape to murder and leads to their joint arrest.

In court, Paul testifies that Karla killed Kaitlyn, while Karla denies all killings. Paul is convicted on two counts of murder with no possibility of parole. Karla pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives a twelve-year sentence.

Karla’s parole is denied after a psychologist describes her as artificial, manipulative, and without remorse. The finding closes any immediate path to release and reflects the ongoing assessment of her culpability.