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 caused the death of Mark Bistoyong but was found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder, as stated by Superior Court Justice Andrew Goodman.
The ruling sparked an emotional reaction from family members and supporters present in the courtroom, leading to disruptions as the judge delivered the decision. The case will now be reviewed by the Ontario Review Board to determine Laureano’s future, likely within the next 45 days, while he remains in custody at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in the meantime.
Mark’s mother, Merl Bistoyong, expressed her disappointment and disgust with the verdict outside the courtroom, stating that she felt her son was being victimized by the legal justice system. Laureano, who was previously found guilty of second-degree murder in October 2024 for stabbing his cousin during a family barbecue, faced conflicting arguments during the trial regarding the intent behind the act.
Expert testimony from forensic psychiatrists highlighted Laureano’s mental health condition, with Dr. Gary Andrew Chaimowitz diagnosing him with schizophrenia, stating that Laureano could not distinguish right from wrong at the time of the incident. The court accepted the psychiatric evidence, emphasizing Laureano’s inability to comprehend his actions due to his mental state.
The courtroom atmosphere during the ruling was tense, with outbursts from individuals present expressing dissatisfaction with the verdict. Despite the emotional reactions, the judge underscored the importance of understanding the impact of the crime on the victim’s family and the community, emphasizing the significance of the victim impact statements provided during the trial.
In a unique move, over 200 individuals submitted victim impact statements, reflecting the profound impact of Mark’s death on those who knew him. The judge acknowledged the exceptional nature of the case and the need to recognize the lasting impact of the tragic event, highlighting the positive influence Mark had on those around him.