A man, Blair Evan Donnelly, aged 66, has been deemed not criminally responsible for an assault during the Light Up Chinatown festival in Vancouver two years ago. Donnelly wounded three individuals while he was on leave from a forensic psychiatric facility. Instead of his planned activities on September 10, 2023, he purchased a wood chisel from Home Depot and proceeded to the festival. Donnelly, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed he was instructed by God to carry out the assaults.
His legal representatives contended that his mental ailment rendered him incapable of making morally sound decisions. Conversely, the Crown prosecutor argued that Donnelly possessed sufficient awareness to comprehend the wrongful nature of his actions, citing his acknowledgment that he awaited a divine message instructing him not to commit violence.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Eric Gottardi, it was established that Donnelly was aware of the wrongdoing but felt compelled by his mental state and religious beliefs to fulfill what he perceived as God’s will. Donnelly will continue to be housed at the B.C. Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, with his case forwarded to the B.C. Review Board for evaluation, which holds authority over individuals found not criminally responsible.
The Review Board is anticipated to reach a decision regarding his case within 90 days. While acknowledging that the ruling may not bring comfort to the victims, Justice Gottardi emphasized the appropriateness of Donnelly receiving ongoing care at the hospital.
Donnelly had previously been acquitted of criminal responsibility for the killing of his daughter in 2006 and an attack on another psychiatric patient in 2017 using a butter knife.
