Mother's Killer Gets 11 Years in Park Stabbing

Colin Hatcher has received a life sentence with an 11-year period of ineligibility for parole for the second-degree murder of his mother, Kathleen Boyle Hatcher. The fatal stabbing occurred on the morning of February 26, 2021, while the mother and son were walking in King's Mill Park.

Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru found Hatcher guilty in April, noting his paranoia and delusions due to schizophrenia. However, the judge determined Hatcher was criminally responsible as he could still appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions. The court heard Hatcher had stopped taking his medication prior to the attack.

During sentencing, Justice Nakatsuru acknowledged Hatcher's severe mental illness as a mitigating factor but stressed the need for punishment and deterrence. The judge quoted a friend of the victim, who suggested the tragedy highlighted systemic failures in care and protection, warning it could be repeated.

Kathleen Hatcher, 69, was able to call 911 herself while lying critically injured on the park trail before she was pronounced dead in hospital. Hatcher's mental state, including past threats and involuntary hospitalizations, was presented during court proceedings.