A woman who was deemed not criminally responsible for the death of her baby has received an absolute discharge.
Authorities have chosen not to reveal her name.
In her 2021 trial, she was found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder in connection with the second-degree murder of her eight-month-old child.
According to a hospital report, the woman stabbed her son multiple times in their apartment located near Fairway Road South and Wilson Avenue in Kitchener, Ont., while undergoing a severe psychotic episode on August 9, 2020. The report also highlighted her past struggles with mental health that had led to prior hospitalizations for psychosis.
“At the time of her arrest, she was highly psychotic, experiencing command auditory hallucinations commanding her to sacrifice her child,” the report stated.
Diagnosis: Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar
An Ontario Review Board (ORB) panel hearing took place on March 24, 2026.
Notes from this hearing indicated that she has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type and had cannabis use disorder, which is now considered in sustained remission.
The document explained that her psychotic episodes typically occurred during drug use or when she wasn’t taking her medication as prescribed.
She stopped taking medication upon discovering she was pregnant.
After being found not criminally responsible for her son’s death, she was initially placed in a forensic hospital before living with her mother in Kitchener for the past three years. During this period, a Forensic Outreach Treatment team and a forensic psychiatrist have been involved in supporting her treatment.
In Ontario, the ORB oversees individuals found not criminally responsible due to mental disorders and ensures they receive appropriate treatment.
The hearing panel reviewed how she behaved over the previous year.
“At times, she experienced anxiety and some odd beliefs that impacted her daily functioning, often presenting with recurring thoughts. … [she] demonstrated insight into these experiences and was able to draw on her supports (family and treatment team), PRN medication [taken when needed] and CBT [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy] skills as part of her coping strategies,” an ORB document noted.
The report further stated that she had been described as “sociable and co-operative” while consistently attending all appointments with both her treatment team and community-based support system.
“She remains highly co-operative in treatment suggestions and prioritizes the maintenance of her mental health,” the document added.
Board Wishes Her Success Going Forward
The panel learned that she has full understanding of what happened regarding the death of her baby. She recognizes that if she were to stop taking medication or start using cannabis again, it could lead to violent behavior.
The woman has been offered subsidized housing supported by her treatment team. If living independently becomes overwhelming for her , they mentioned she’s welcome to return home with her mother.
The panel concluded that she’s no longer a significant threat to public safety and has strong support systems established.
Based on all evidence presented , the ORB granted an absolute discharge.
“The board congratulates [her] on his dedication to continued well-being , and wishes him every success going forward.”
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