Hamilton man found not criminally responsible in cousin’s killing to remain at psychiatric hospital for now

The Ontario Review Board says a young Hamilton man who was found not criminally responsible for killing his teen cousin nearly three years ago must remain at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton pending a decision from the board.

Twenty-two-year-old Laureano Bistoyong stabbed his 16-year-old cousin Mark Bistoyong in the chest with a kitchen knife on July 2, 2023 while they were at a family function at a home on Cadham Boulevard near Upper Gage Avenue.

Family members testified in court that the boys had been playing basketball and the game got out of control prior to the stabbing.

WATCH MORE: Laureano Bistoyong found not criminally responsible in fatal stabbing of teen cousin

Two psychiatrists previously testified that Laureano suffers from multiple mental health issues, including schizophrenia. They testified that Laureano was likely experiencing a schizophrenic episode at the time of the stabbing.

Laureano had said that the voice of god told him to stab Mark, and that Laureano saw Mark as a demon.

In November 2025, Laureano was found not criminally responsible for second-degree murder but was remanded to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton due to his mental health disorders.

The Ontario Review Board has also ordered St. Joseph’s to create a program for the detention and rehabilitation for Laureano.

WATCH MORE: Man found guilty of 2nd-degree murder in stabbing death of his cousin in Hamilton