“Were he to be released to the community tomorrow, I think he would pose a significant threat”: Psychiatrist
Feb 13, 2026 • Last updated 2 days ago •
Michael Shawn Murray Sun Media
Despite admitting that he had consumed “a ton of weed and beer” before killing his friend, Robert Lee Ballard from Delhi was found not criminally responsible by a judge in Simcoe on Thursday.
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“He should be locked up,” cried out Murray’s father after the judge exited the courtroom.
Justice Aubrey Hilliard determined that Ballard’s drug-induced psychosis which led him to bludgeon and stab a man who was attempting to help him stemmed from his substance abuse but was also caused by a “disease of the mind.”
Ballard faced a second-degree murder charge regarding Murray’s death.
With consensus from both the Crown and defense attorneys, Hilliard directed that Ballard, now aged 32, be sent to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton where his future will be evaluated by the Ontario Review Board.
After an initial assessment there, Ballard’s case will undergo review at least once a year, with the possibility of indefinite detention in the facility or some form of release.
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While many members of the Murray family were upset that Ballard wasn’t given a criminal sentence, others argued it might be better for him to remain under the review board’s supervision since this could keep him in custody much longer than if he received prison time with potential parole after ten years.
Ballard has already spent several years waiting for trial.
It was established early on that Ballard struck and stabbed Murray, who was 54 years old and discovered by his parents on March 30, 2021.
Testimony revealed that Ballard had been speaking about demons and “zombie blood” and may have participated in what a doctor referred to as “satanic activities” prior to the homicide.
Following Murray’s death, Ballard was found hiding in a garage because he believed people were trying to kill him; court proceedings heard. He told police CSIS had paid him to kill Murray.
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