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Murder Trial Halted: Accused Unfit Due to Psychosis
20 Apr
Summary
- Accused Jongwon Ham found not fit to stand trial for murder.
- Const. Shaelyn Yang died Oct. 18, 2022, in Burnaby.
- Psychiatrists cited psychotic disorder as reason for unfitness.
In a significant development, Jongwon Ham, accused of the first-degree murder of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang, has been declared not fit to stand trial. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen made the ruling, citing Ham's worsening psychosis.
Justice Tammen noted that Ham's delusions impair his ability to make rational decisions concerning the legal proceedings. This determination was made as the murder trial was scheduled to commence, prompting a fitness hearing.
During the hearing, two psychiatrists testified, presenting evidence that Ham suffers from a severe psychotic disorder. Both medical experts concluded that he is unfit to participate in his own defense.
Constable Yang tragically lost her life on October 18, 2022. She was stabbed while attempting to engage with a man who was sheltering in a tent within Burnaby's Broadview Park. During the fatal encounter, the man was shot and wounded by Constable Yang.
