Doctor reveals mental state of Hamilton man guilty of killing teen cousin

The sentencing for 22-year-old Lawrence Bistoyong who was found guilty of second-degree murder last October resumed Tuesday in a Hamilton courthouse.

The incident happened on July 2, 2023 after a rough outdoor basketball game. Sixteen-year-old Mark Bistoyong was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife by his cousin Lawrence at his uncle’s home on the Hamilton Mountain.

Last year, Lawrence was found guilty of second-degree murder and will be sentenced this week.

Today in court, Dr. Gary Andrew Chaimowitz, a forensic psychiatrist, spoke about Lawrence’s mental health and the state of mind he was in when he stabbed and killed his cousin Mark two years ago.

Dr. Chaimowitz told the court that after his assessment along with other professionals, Lawrence has schizophrenia.

“This is the tragedy of a major mental disorder and it is clearly evident in Mr. Bistoyong,” he said.

Dr. Chaimowitz also said Lawrence was having a schizophrenia episode when he killed his cousin. He said Lawrence was hearing voices in his head telling him Mark was the demon and was told to kill him.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton judge delays sentencing of man who killed teen cousin

“In our view, the alcohol and marijuana were not the drivers of the events of that day, but rather the voices in his head and his schizophrenia,” he said.

Dr. Chaimowitz said Lawrence should not be held criminally responsible for his actions.

“I am convinced with medical certainty that he did not know what he did was wrong,” he said.

But the judge reminded the court that the decision falls on him with sentencing.

The Crown then questioned the doctor and asked about the timing of the diagnosis and why he wasn’t assessed right after he killed his cousin.

The doctor said these things take time, six months to a year.

Later in the afternoon the court heard 10 victim impact statements. Mark’s friends and family talked about the impact that the death of Mark has had on their lives. They spoke about how bright Mark was and how everyone loved him.

Sentencing is expected Friday and scheduled to take place at the John Sopinka Courthouse.

READ MORE: Mayor Horwath invites residents to Community Safety Summit