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Twitchell himself has stated in prison letters that he’s watched every episode of the four Dexter seasons he missed since his arrest and first-degree murder conviction. In one letter, he still praises the show for its “innovative writing.”

But senior police officers and crime victims are demanding to know why he can have access to violent material closely linked to his heinous crimes.

Staff Sergeant Bill Clark, co-head of Edmonton’s homicide unit, said it was baffling that prison authorities would allow the man known as the “Dexter Killer” watch Dexter in prison.

“He’s reliving his fantasy whenever he’s watching that show,” he said. “It’s ridiculous to think that he would be allowed to do that. Maybe he’s refining his skills?”

Jane Orydzuk of the Victims of Homicide Support Society said it was another example of how the justice system has been designed around the needs of offenders, not victims and their grieving families.

“It’s very upsetting because if you’re serving life for murder you shouldn’t be allowed all these little perks, especially if it’s going to keep fuelling his obsession,” she said.

Prison reformers, however, stress that there could be benefits to exposing him to all kinds of activities, as long as what he’s watching is not increasing his desire to re-offend.

“Toughening up the penalties on him is not going to change his attitude towards this particular crime,” said Catherine Latimer of the John Howard Society.