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Man claims 'God's sign' led to fatal cafe stabbing
4 Mar
Summary
- Accused found knife in alley, calling it a divine sign.
- He claims lack of medication affected his mental state.
- The trial will determine intent regarding second-degree murder.
In a B.C. Supreme Court trial, Inderdeep Singh Gosal, 34, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the March 26, 2023, death of Paul Schmidt. Gosal testified that approximately three months prior to the incident, he had stopped taking his antipsychotic medication. He claims that after an argument with his father, he found a knife in an alley and interpreted it as a "sign from God" for self-protection.
Gosal then encountered Schmidt on a Vancouver Starbucks patio, leading to a verbal dispute. He testified that Schmidt initiated a physical altercation, prompting Gosal to use the knife he had found. CCTV footage showed Schmidt approaching Gosal, who then stabbed him multiple times. Gosal admitted to lying to police about how he obtained the knife and his alcohol consumption that day.
The defence is arguing that Gosal, who suffers from psychosis and schizophrenia, lacked the mental capacity to form the intent to kill. His lawyer stated the defence would seek a conviction for manslaughter, not murder. Gosal reported that his symptoms have significantly improved since being prescribed different medication after his arrest.
