Li doctors recommend supervised outings

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This article was published 31/05/2010 (5986 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The treatment team for Greyhound Bus killer Vincent Li is recommending he start receiving supervised passes that let him out of his locked ward at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre.

Li appeared Monday afternoon at his annual Review Board hearing, where board members must decide what type of care and supervision he should receive for the next 12 months.

Li was found not criminally responsible last year for the 2008 killing and beheading of 22-year-old Tim McLean on board a Greyhound Bus near Portage la Prairie. He admitted responsibility for the unprovoked attack but was found by a judge to be suffering from hallucinations and untreated schizophrenia at the time which left him unable to appreciate or control his actions.

Li’s treating psychiatrist told the Review Board Monday he has made significant progress since his last hearing a year ago.

Dr. Steven Kraemer says he believes Li is ready to be allowed out of his locked, high-risk ward and on to the grounds at Selkirk for up to 30 minutes a day. He suggested Li be accompanied by one security guard and one nurse at all times, which is an increase of the typical one-on-one supervision other residents receive. He said Li’s opportunities for fresh air, sunshine and recreation could gradually go up to two hours each day.

The grounds are not surrounded by any fence or barrier and extra staff would likely have to be hired to accommodate the resources needed for Li, the board was told.

"We’re taking a very cautious approach. We have no way of knowing how he will respond," said Kraemer.

He said Li has responded well to medication, listens well to staff and has attended all required programming and treatment. Li has developed a better understanding about the impact of his crime and only "occasionally" suffers from the hallucinations that once haunted him.

Crown attorney Corrine Deegan told the Review Board it’s far too early to be giving Li any privileges.

"These supervised ground permits are not appropriate," she argued. "The fact they are request that (extra) level of security is evidence of concern."

McLean’s family and friends filled the Winnipeg courtroom and are opposed to giving Li any outdoor time. They say the risk of something going wrong is too high.

"I was shocked the whole facility isn’t surrounded by a fence," said McLean’s mother, Carol de Delley. "I don’t think he should have any freedom. Treat him humanely, but in a locked facility for the rest of his life."

The Review Board is expected to give a written decision later this week.