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

A young Hamilton man initially found guilty of fatally stabbing his teen cousin two years ago has been found not criminally responsible due to a mental health disorder.

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

Throughout the trial, testimony indicated that the boys were playing basketball at a nearby park when it became aggressive.

The group decided to stop playing and return to the family event. It wasn’t until they got back to the home that the stabbing occurred.

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

In October 2024, Lawrence was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his cousin.

Lawrence’s sentencing was delayed several times while he underwent a mental-health assessment. A forensic psychiatrist previously testified in court that Lawrence was experiencing a schizophrenia episode and was hearing voices telling him that Mark was a demon and that he needed to kill him.

At his sentencing at Hamilton’s John Sopinka Courthouse on Wednesday, Lawrence was found not criminally responsible for his actions due to his mental health disorder.

He will be remanded to custody until the Ontario Review Board conducts a risk assessment in 45 days.

This is a developing news story. More to come.

READ MORE: Trial sentencing adjourned for Hamilton man found guilty of killing teen cousin