Jermaine Wood (photo from original Peel Police press release).
A man who fatally attacked his neighbour in Brampton nearly 11 years ago is now being allowed to live with fewer restrictions in the community, despite ongoing worries about his mental health and potential risks to others.
Jermaine Wood, 40, has received approval to exit a closely monitored rehabilitation program in North York and transition into independent living supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Wood was deemed not criminally responsible (NCR) for first-degree murder in January 2019 after the death of his upstairs neighbour, 61-year-old Robert Mc Collum.
The Ontario Review Board has eased some of the limitations placed on Wood, including reducing his mandatory check-ins with his treatment team to every two weeks.
This adjustment means that forensic staff will no longer be stationed at his residence, although support staff will still be connected to him while he lives there.
This marks a notable increase in Wood’s autonomy, but it isn’t a complete release.
He remains under a detention order and the board denied a request for a conditional discharge. He also cannot travel internationally unless accompanied by an approved companion. His future living arrangements remain unclear.
The incident dates back to June 30, 2015, when Mc Collum was returning home with groceries.
As he ascended the stairs toward his third-floor apartment, Wood attacked him from behind with a machete. Mc Collum sustained fatal injuries.
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Wood fled the scene but was apprehended later that day following a police search. The case eventually came before the Ontario Review Board after Wood was found not criminally responsible for first-degree murder. An NCR ruling means that while someone committed an act, they were not held criminally responsible due to mental illness. Instead of facing standard criminal penalties, individuals fall under the authority of the Ontario Review Board which determines appropriate treatment levels along with supervision and restrictions. Wood’s mental health history played an important role in the initial case and continues to influence decisions made by the board. The latest decision indicates that Wood had stopped taking medication prior to Mc Collum’s death and had developed delusions related to his neighbour. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was in his early twenties. The board still expresses concerns about what could occur if Wood’s condition worsens or if he discontinues medication use. His treatment team also highlighted worries regarding his ability to handle unexpected situations independently. Wood continues to receive help with daily tasks such as using public transport. <p. Nonetheless, the board decided that he could shift into a less restrictive living situation. Travel restrictions have been somewhat relaxed as well. Now Wood can take approved international trips lasting up to 21 days compared to the previous limit of 14 days; however, he must still be accompanied by someone approved during these travels. The board denied a request allowing him to travel internationally without accompaniment alone. This decision means that Wood will enjoy significantly more independence than he has experienced recently while still being subject to conditions meant to manage risks identified by the board. Wood’s situation will continue undergoing review as he lives under community supervision imposed by the board.INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
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