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.

When the ruling and sentencing were read, there were multiple outbursts, resulting in many people having to be forcibly removed from the courthouse.

There was anger and high emotions outside John Sopinka Courthouse among a group of young people after 22-year-old Laureano Bistoyong was found not criminally responsible for murdering his cousin Mark Bistoyong in 2023 due to his mental health.

Mark’s family says justice was not served today.

Laureano stabbed his 16-year-old cousin Mark 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.

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.

Justice Andrew Goodman accepted the testimonies, ruling that Laureano was incapable of understanding his actions were morally wrong – therefore ruling he is not criminally responsible.

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

Multiple people in the large crowd who came to watch the trial shouted and swore at the judge and Laureano as he sat silent in the courtroom.

The outbursts came to a head when someone threw a chair. That person was forcibly removed, along with others.

Outside the courthouse, Mark’s mother Merl Bistoyong expressed her disappointment in the verdict.

“If this murderer can walk away, then it appears that anyone in Canada can commit murder – can do the same. This is not justice, it’s a crime. It’s a crime. My son is being victimized all over again, this time by the legal justice system. It is the criminal who has the privilege of selecting a skilled lawyer who can twist the legal process, and exploit every loophole available,” said Merl.

She says the amount of people who showed up today, and the reaction to the verdict, is a testament to the impact Mark had on those around him

“He was well natured, sweet, he always joked around, he always had my back, he was a great kid,” said Merl.

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

The judge recommended all 217 victim impact statements be considered at that review.

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