A man from Hamilton who fatally stabbed his cousin in 2023 has been deemed not criminally responsible by an Ontario judge on Wednesday. Laureano Bistoyong was found to have caused the death of Mark Bistoyong due to a mental disorder, according to Superior Court Justice Andrew Goodman.
The ruling caused an emotional outburst among family members and supporters present in the courtroom, with some individuals expressing their discontent by shouting at the judge. Mark’s brother even threw a chair before being escorted out by police officers.
The Ontario Review Board will review the case in the coming days to determine Laureano’s future, with a decision expected within approximately 45 days. In the meantime, Laureano will remain in custody at St. Joseph’s Healthcare.
Outside the courtroom, Mark’s mother, Merl Bistoyong, expressed her disappointment and disgust over the verdict, stating that she felt her son was being victimized by the legal system once again. Laureano, who appeared different from his previous court appearances, was described as seemingly detached during the proceedings.
In the trial held in October 2024, Laureano was found guilty of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his 16-year-old cousin Mark during a family barbecue in July 2023. The case has caused rifts within the Bistoyong family, with some members disavowing their familial connections.
During the trial, conflicting arguments were presented by the Crown and defense lawyers regarding Laureano’s intent in the incident. Ultimately, Justice Goodman sided with the Crown’s assertion that the act was premeditated.
Expert testimony from forensic psychiatrists highlighted Laureano’s mental health condition, with Dr. Gary Andrew Chaimowitz diagnosing him with schizophrenia. Chaimowitz emphasized Laureano’s inability to discern right from wrong during the incident, attributing his actions to a schizophrenic episode.
Judge Goodman accepted the expert testimonies and ruled that Laureano was not criminally responsible, despite acknowledging the disappointment it may bring to Mark’s family and friends.
The courtroom was filled with supporters of Mark throughout the trial, with tensions escalating as the verdict was delivered. After the ruling, emotional reactions led to disturbances in the courtroom, resulting in police intervention.
Over 200 victim impact statements were submitted during the trial, emphasizing the profound impact of Mark’s death. Justice Goodman noted the unprecedented number of statements and highlighted the importance of understanding the consequences of Laureano’s actions.
He expressed his sympathy for those affected by the tragedy and acknowledged the positive influence Mark had on those around him. Despite the emotional testimonies, the judge emphasized that legal constraints prevented him from meeting the demands for retribution.
For mental health support, individuals affected by the case were encouraged to seek resources in their respective provinces or territories.