Karla Homolka: The Barbie Killer’s 20-Year Release and Current Fate

The Legacy of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo

It has been over two decades since Karla Homolka, known as the “Barbie Killer,” was released from prison after serving her sentence. Her release followed a controversial plea deal with prosecutors, which continues to spark debate in Canada. In the early 1990s, Homolka and her then-husband, Paul Bernardo, were involved in a series of violent crimes that shocked the nation. Their case became widely known as the “Ken and Barbie Killers.”

In late 2021, the chilling story resurfaced with the release of a four-part docuseries titled Ken and Barbie Killers: The Lost Murder Tapes. The series, available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Hulu, reexamined the horrific crimes and the plea deal that still stirs outrage.

So, where is Karla Homolka now, more than two decades after her release? Here’s what we know.

Who is Karla Homolka?

Karla Homolka was born on May 4, 1970, in Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario. She met Paul Bernardo outside a hotel restaurant in Scarborough in October 1987 when she was 17 years old. At the time, she was volunteering at an animal hospital, while Bernardo, six years her senior, was already embroiled in criminal activity.

Crimes Committed by Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo

The pair committed a series of heinous crimes, including rape, torture, and murder. Among their victims were Tammy Homolka, Leslie Mahaffy, and Kirsten French.

Tammy Homolka

On December 23, 1990, Homolka and Bernardo drugged Tammy, using animal tranquilizers stolen from Homolka’s workplace. While Tammy was unconscious, both raped her, and Homolka recorded the assault. Tammy later choked on her vomit and died. The couple attempted to cover up the crime, but medical evidence revealed the true cause of death.

Leslie Mahaffy

On June 29, 1991, the day of their wedding, fishermen found the dismembered body of 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in Lake Gibson. She had been abducted, raped, and murdered by Bernardo and Homolka.

Kirsten French

On April 30, 1992, 15-year-old Kirsten French was found dead in a ditch. She had been kidnapped, raped, and tortured by the couple. Despite police investigations, it took years for the truth to come to light.

The Plea Deal

After being hospitalized following an assault by Bernardo, Homolka initially refused to cooperate with police. However, she eventually accused Bernardo, claiming she was a reluctant accomplice. A plea deal was struck, resulting in her conviction for two counts of manslaughter and a 12-year prison sentence.

Public Reaction and Family Response

The plea deal sparked public outrage, with many criticizing the Crown for what they saw as a “deal with the devil.” Homolka’s mother expressed concern for her safety after her release, stating that she would never be able to pay her debt to society. Her family did not attend her release in 2005.

Where is Karla Homolka Now?

In July 2005, Homolka was released from St. Anne des Plaines prison near Montreal. She gave a televised interview shortly after her release. Over the years, she has lived under different names, including Leanne Teale in Châteauguay, Quebec. She was also reported to have visited a school in Montreal, though officials confirmed she was never alone with students.

Karla Homolka’s Children

Homolka became a mother to three children—two sons and a daughter—after her release. She moved to Guadeloupe, where she lived under the name Leanne Bordelais with her husband, Thierry, and their children. She returned to Quebec in 2012 after being located by a journalist.

Where is Paul Bernardo Now?

Paul Bernardo was convicted of multiple charges, including murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. He is currently serving a life sentence in Canada and has spent most of his time in solitary confinement. He has been denied parole multiple times, with the latest denial in November 2024. In 2023, he was transferred to a medium-security institution, prompting public and political backlash.

Movies and Documentaries

Several films and documentaries have explored the crimes of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo. The 2006 film Karla dramatized their story, while the docuseries Ken and Barbie Killers: The Lost Murder Tapes remains available on various streaming platforms.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, support is available through organizations such as the Assaulted Women’s Helpline and services for male survivors. Immediate assistance can be obtained by calling 911 or visiting a local hospital.