Canada - Numerous pedestrians struck by van near Yonge and Finch, Toronto, Apr 2018 *guilty*

[dotr]

Case of Toronto van attack suspect Alek Minassian due in court today

Alek Minassian is shown appearing in court via video link in this courthouse sketch.
February 28, 2019

TORONTO -- The case of a man accused killing 10 people by driving a van along a busy sidewalk in Toronto is expected in court today.

Alek Minassian, of Richmond Hill, Ont., faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder in the attack last April.

 

[dotr]

Incel.
Sept 27 2019
‘This is the day of retribution’: Accused van killer’s chilling police interview released
WARNING: The contents of the video and story below are disturbing.
"On Friday morning, a publication ban was lifted on the statement Minassian gave police after his dramatic arrest, providing a disturbing glimpse into what may have inspired him to allegedly get behind the wheel of a rented van and plough down innocent civilians.

As Minassian coolly explained to Senior Detective Rob Thomas in a nearly four-hour long interview, it was a growing resentment towards women — fuelled by like-minded individuals on the dark recesses of the internet — that spawned the attack he’s accused of carrying out.

Minassian told Thomas he was “kind of a nerd in high school” but said he was treated well by other students. He got along with his family and said his parents were supportive.

But when he went to college to study software development, he began to develop a growing resentment towards women.

Incel rebellion
Minassian described what he called a humiliating “defining moment” when he attended a Halloween house party in 2013.

“I walked in and attempted to socialize with some girls, however they all laughed at me and held the arms of the big guys instead.”

“I felt very angry,” he explained.

Minassian, who described himself as “ultraconservative” and a “hardcore gamer” soon found a community of sympathizers on online chat boards like 4chan and Reddit.

When he wasn’t playing violent video-games up to five hours a day to “let out all my urges,” he was often chatting about his sexual frustrations from his laptop at home or at the library computer at Seneca.

He joined a sub-Reddit called “Forever Alone,” where he learned about and began to identify with the incel community — a term that stands for “involuntarily celibate.”

 

[Snoopster]

According to the video at the above link, he has absolutely no remorse. He decided he 'couldn't stay on the sidelines anymore'.

 

[dotr]

Minassian lawyer says computer evidence issues may delay start of trial
November 28, 2019
"Defence lawyer Boris Bytensky and the Crown attorney told the judge that the computer issues have jeopardized the start of the trial, which is scheduled to begin Feb. 10, 2020.
Bytensky says even with his client's password, computer experts have had difficulty accessing the heavily encrypted devices."

"Minassian told police just hours afterward he committed the attack as retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women"

 

[katydid23]

Minassian lawyer says computer evidence issues may delay start of trial
November 28, 2019
"Defence lawyer Boris Bytensky and the Crown attorney told the judge that the computer issues have jeopardized the start of the trial, which is scheduled to begin Feb. 10, 2020.
Bytensky says even with his client's password, computer experts have had difficulty accessing the heavily encrypted devices."

"Minassian told police just hours afterward he committed the attack as retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women"

"Minassian told police just hours afterward he committed the attack as retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women"


He was an Incel?


Toronto van attack suspect says he was 'radicalized' online by 'incels'
Toronto van attack suspect says he was 'radicalized' online by 'incels'

Alek Minassian said after his arrest he drew inspiration from men who used violence as retribution for ‘being unable to get laid’

“I consider myself a supreme gentleman,” he said, adding: “I was angry that they would give their love and affection to obnoxious brutes.”

Minassian’s trial, which will begin in February 2020, will be overseen by only a judge alone. Minassian has admitted to driving the van but has not yet entered a plea. The judge overseeing the case has said that Minassian’s state of mind will be an important part of the trial.


What does the judge mean by this:Minassian’s state of mind will be an important part of the trial.


There is no jury, only a judge. WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY THE ABOVE^^ STAEMENT?

Is the judge going to take the intel argument into account as a mitigating factor?:?:?

 

[drama_farmer]

Toronto van attack trial for Alek Minassian to begin March 2, delayed due to ‘red tape’

Toronto van attack trial for Alek Minassian to begin March 2, delayed due to ‘red tape’

The murder trial for Alek Minassian, which was initially scheduled to begin on Feb. 10, will now start on March 2.

Boris Bytensky, Minassian’s lawyer, told the judge the delay is due to problems obtaining Minassian’s psychiatric assessment from St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

(more at link)

Here is Minassian's police interrogation, with some interesting narration. Just a suggestion, watching it at 1.25x speed might be more enjoyable.

 

[dotr]

Toronto van attack trial for Alek Minassian to begin March 2, delayed due to ‘red tape’

Toronto van attack trial for Alek Minassian to begin March 2, delayed due to ‘red tape’

The murder trial for Alek Minassian, which was initially scheduled to begin on Feb. 10, will now start on March 2.

Boris Bytensky, Minassian’s lawyer, told the judge the delay is due to problems obtaining Minassian’s psychiatric assessment from St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

(more at link)

Here is Minassian's police interrogation, with some interesting narration. Just a suggestion, watching it at 1.25x speed might be more enjoyable.

Thanks for the video, it was very educational!
Thinking that AM thought he was smarter than the LE (who, imo. cleverly played along with that perception)
It would have been interesting but probably not as fruitful an interview, if they had sent in an attractive female LE, wondering if and how his responses would change if this was done!
speculation, imo.

 

[JDG]

"Minassian told police just hours afterward he committed the attack as retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women"


He was an Incel?


Toronto van attack suspect says he was 'radicalized' online by 'incels'
Toronto van attack suspect says he was 'radicalized' online by 'incels'

Alek Minassian said after his arrest he drew inspiration from men who used violence as retribution for ‘being unable to get laid’

“I consider myself a supreme gentleman,” he said, adding: “I was angry that they would give their love and affection to obnoxious brutes.”

Minassian’s trial, which will begin in February 2020, will be overseen by only a judge alone. Minassian has admitted to driving the van but has not yet entered a plea. The judge overseeing the case has said that Minassian’s state of mind will be an important part of the trial.


What does the judge mean by this:Minassian’s state of mind will be an important part of the trial.


There is no jury, only a judge. WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY THE ABOVE^^ STAEMENT?

Is the judge going to take the intel argument into account as a mitigating factor?:?:?

I think they are going for a Not Criminally Responsible outcome.

How outrageous when AM has openly stated that he planned and executed these murders and attempted murders!?!? 10 dead and 16 had life altering injuries.

I know Canada is soft on crime but an NCR?? He knew what he was doing at that moment in time and must not be released to repeat his horrific crimes.

 

[katydid23]

I think they are going for a Not Criminally Responsible outcome.

How outrageous when AM has openly stated that he planned and executed these murders and attempted murders!?!? 10 dead and 16 had life altering injuries.

I know Canada is soft on crime but an NCR?? He knew what he was doing at that moment in time and must not be released to repeat his horrific crimes.

Does NCR mean for mental health reasons he is not criminally responsible?

 

[dotr]

Mar 5, 2020

 

[JDG]

Does NCR mean for mental health reasons he is not criminally responsible?

Yes, it lets him off the hook based on 'what he was thinking/feeling at the moment of the crimes'. ie was he having a psychotic episode (insanity plea)

Sure hope he's found guilty, he's admitted he planned and carried out these crimes.

It will be a total travesty of justice if its an NCR verdict. IMO, MOO

 

[Lexiintoronto]

Mar 5, 2020

My God. “Do you have any illnesses..?” @2:32 “yes, I’m a murdering piece of s—-“
First speck of self-awareness and acknowledgement of what he has done that I have heard.

 

[JDG]

My God. “Do you have any illnesses..?” @2:32 “yes, I’m a murdering piece of s—-“
First speck of self-awareness and acknowledgement of what he has done that I have heard.

But, being a 'weird' or unusual way of describing oneself, it may also be the first step to an NCR.

He is self-aware alright but sly and cunning as well. One sick monster.

 

[Lexiintoronto]

But, being a 'weird' or unusual way of describing oneself, it may also be the first step to an NCR.

He is self-aware alright but sly and cunning as well. One sick monster.

I personally believe people can have mental health issues and the NCR determination is appropriate, but it’s what happens *after* and their release that concerns me.

In 2013, Richard Kachkar was found NCR for the 2011 murder of police Sgt. Ryan Russell.

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4162045

Kachkar received escorted day passes in 2014, then unescorted day passes until his release in 2017.
2014 article:

Today he seems to want it both ways: He stayed out of jail because he is mentally ill; now he wants to leave the hospital unescorted, because, his lawyer says, he is not dangerous.

The hospital has taken him on three escorted trips: on a “wellness walk” to Whitby Plaza, March 28; breakfast at an EggSmart near the hospital, on April 8; and on another “wellness walk” at the mall last week.

‘He’s not ready to feel remorse’: Wife of man Richard Kachkar killed adamant he stay secured

2014–a year after he he was found NCR and started full treatment.

He was released in 2017, with conditions and receives visits from mental health workers.

 

[dotr]

April 6 2020
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-monday-online-learning-starts-1.5523011
''1 of Canada's highest-profile court cases delayed

A long-awaited murder trial was supposed to begin today but has now been delayed indefinitely.

Alek Minassian, the man accused in the Yonge Street van attack that was carried out nearly two years ago, faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

The trial was scheduled to begin in front of a judge alone. However, COVID-19 has closed Ontario's courts, forcing Minassian's trial and many others to be rescheduled.

Minassian's lawyer told CBC News that he can't predict when the trial will get underway, and he understands the uncertainty is hard for victims.

"I'm sure that there are a lot of victims and families who would like to get this matter dealt with as quickly as possible," said Boris Bytensky.

"The impacts on the victims are not lost on me, I don't think they are lost on anybody so for their sake I hope we can get this back as quickly as possible."

The judge has said the case will turn on Minassian's state of mind at the time of the attack, as it's already certain he was behind the wheel.''

 

[dotr]

Murder trial for Alek Minassian set for November - CityNews Toronto
''The trial for the man accused of using a van to kill 10 people on a busy Toronto sidewalk has been set for this fall.

Alek Minassian faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

Justice John McMahon set Nov. 9 for the four-week trial to begin in front of a judge without a jury.

Minassian’s trial was to begin on April 6 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.''

 

[dotr]

Oct 14 2020
Trial for accused van attack killer Alek Minassian likely to be held virtually | Toronto Sun

Alek Minassian is booked at 32 Division after the April 23, 2018 van attack in Toronto Photo by Screengrab /Toronto Police

''New court restrictions due to the pandemic will likely mean a virtual trial for accused mass killer Alek Minassian.

At a trial confirmation meeting held via Zoom Wednesday morning, the lawyers and judge agreed an in-person hearing is now unlikely when Minassian goes on trial Nov. 9 on 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted murder.''

''Minassian will go before a judge alone for what’s expected to be a four-week trial that will turn on his state of mind when he’s accused of having careened down busy Yonge St. sidewalks in April 2018, mowing down pedestrians in his path. Minassian told police the attack was retribution against society for being shunned by women.

Under new COVID-19 guidelines released last week by Ontario’s chief justice, only 10 people are now allowed in courtrooms.''

 

[dotr]

Murder trial for Alek Minassian, man accused in Toronto van attack, starts Tuesday - CityNews Toronto
Nov 10 2020
Murder trial for Alek Minassian, man accused in Toronto van attack, starts Tuesday - CityNews Toronto
''Summary
Alek Minassian, 28, of Richmond Hill, faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder

After negotiations, all sides agreed to proceed by way of a judge alone, thereby keeping the trial in Toronto

Trial will take place in front of a judge, Justice Anne Molloy, without a jury, a rarity for first-degree murder trials

The trial for the man who killed 10 people and hurt 16 others after driving a van down a Toronto sidewalk is set to get underway on Tuesday.

CityNews reporter Adrian Ghobrial is covering the trial, follow his tweets below. Warning: details of the case may be disturbing to some readers.''

''The judge has said the case will turn on Minassian’s state of mind at the time.

He is expected to raise a defence of being not criminally responsible for his actions that day.

Minassian told a detective just hours after the incident that he carried out the attack as retribution against society because he was a lonely virgin who believed women wouldn’t have sex with him.

In a police interview that was made public, Minassian told the detective he had found solace in an online community for so-called “incels” men who were involuntarily celibate.

Minassian explained to the detective that incels were at the bottom rung of society, below so-called Chads, who are alpha males who slept with women, who are known as Staceys.

He said the Chads had to be killed in order to force the Staceys to have sex with men like him, the incels.

A mass attack would cause confusion in the world and allow the incels to rearrange the world order and come out on top, he told the detective.''

 

[dotr]

MANDEL: Grieving grandson wants Minassian imprisoned forever | Toronto Sun
''Minassian, 28, has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted murder in the April 23, 2018 van attack. He’s admitted to planning and executing the city’s worst mass murder but says he’s not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.

''It was a collision course of unimaginable cruelty that lasted more than 20 minutes.''

Dorothy Sewell, 80, was killed in the April 23, 2018 van attack in Toronto. Photo by Online Obituary

''Sewell was the second-last to die in his shocking rampage. Her grandson knew only that she had been heading to the bank from her nearby apartment when she was run over.

Callaghan filled in more of the horrific details.

Without warning, Sewell was struck from behind as she walked south on the west side of Yonge St., near Mel Lastman Square. “As he hit her, she went up in the air, landed on the windshield and Minassian kept speeding off southbound, causing Sewell’s body to wrap onto the front passenger portion of the van until she fell down and was run over,” he said.

“She was eventually expelled from under the van in the area of the rear passenger tire.”

The cause of death included “crushing injuries to her torso.”

 

[dotr]

Nov 15 2020
'I am scared even for my granddaughter, for my daughter,' Van Attack victim says of incels
''Dina Risin is terrified there are other men like Alek Minassian.

The fears that began when she became one of his victims intensified this week as she watched the first day of the virtual murder trial for the man who has admitted to killing 10 people by driving a van down a busy Toronto sidewalk.

He is arguing he is not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to a mental disorder. Those actions, which Minassian has said were motivated by a desire for vengeance against women, also injured 16 people including Risin.
“I felt very, very scared to hear that this was his mission,” Risin said after watching a video of the then 25-year-old Minassian telling a detective about the so-called “incel” philosophy.

Minassian described his attack as retribution against society because he was a lonely virgin who believed women wouldn't have sex with him. He said he was inspired by two other men, both Americans, who hated women because they wouldn't have sex with them and who would later go on separate killing rampages''

“I am scared even for my granddaughter, for my daughter,” she told The Canadian Press from her north Toronto home. “He is not alone. I don't know how our society could be prepared for those people's actions.”