Home / Crime and Justice / Crown and Defence Agree: Not Criminally Responsible in Fatal Attack
Crown and Defence Agree: Not Criminally Responsible in Fatal Attack
10 Mar
Summary
- Accused John Harder's mental state led to mother's death on her birthday.
- Both Crown and defence advocate for 'not criminally responsible' finding.
- He will be treated in a secure mental health facility, not prison.
A Calgary man, John Harder, 35, is the subject of a court hearing concerning the death of his mother, Sol Harder, on her 60th birthday, July 23, 2023. Both the Crown and defense are jointly requesting that Justice Melanie Gaston find Harder not criminally responsible (NCR) due to mental disorder. Evidence suggests Harder was experiencing psychosis at the time of the attack, preventing him from appreciating the moral wrongfulness of his actions. This NCR finding would lead to treatment in a secure mental health facility instead of a prison sentence. The incident also involved an assault on his aunt, Joy Torayno, during the same event. Legal proceedings will continue with the presentation of psychiatric evidence. The court has acknowledged the agreed statement of facts detailing the events leading to Sol Harder's death. The legal cause of death is attributed to the force John Harder applied to his mother.
