Vince Li and murder in Manitoba

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a breakdown of thought processes and by poor emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social or occupational dysfunction.

Vince Li - a victim of
schizophrenia

It can happen to anyone, at any time of life. 

Pray without ceasing unto God for a cure for this disease. Pray for the schizophrenics, that they are given peace and relief from torment in this life. 

However...there is another side to this issue - and that is murder committed by persons suffering from this disease. 

Tim McLean - another
victim of schizophrenia,
in another way

On July 30, 2008, Tim McLean, age 22, was returning to his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on a Greyhound bus. He was minding his own business and listening to his iPod.  A stranger, Vince Li, age 40, sat down beside him, pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed and then beheaded Tim McLean. He later said that he heard God's voice telling him that Tim was evil. He later walked around carrying Tim's head in his hands. 

On March 5, 2009, Vince Li was found to be not criminally responsible for the murder and was remanded to a high-security mental health facility in Manitoba. It was said that he was a schizophrenic and was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the murder. 

Recently a psychiatrist who has been treating Vince Li asked Manitoba's Review Board to allow Li to take escorted trips into the community of Selkirk, north of Winnipeg with two escorts. Dr. Steve Kremer said Li has responded well to his treatment and understands he has schizophrenia.

Li's doctors also recommended that he should be allowed to be "generally supervised" on the hospital grounds, rather than "one-on-one" supervision.  The board reserved its decision and is expected to make a determination within a couple of days.

Tim McLean's mother, Carol DeDelley, said she is traumatized she has to go through another review board hearing. She is afraid that Vince Li could end up being released and free to roam the streets. 

And you can understand her concern. If Vince Li was ever to escape from his supervisors on various outings and excursions, what would he be capable of? Would he walk the streets, off of his medication, and then slit your throat as you were sitting at the bus-stop? 

Angels of God, pray for Tim.
Pray that he is at peace.

Vince Li may understand that he is schizophrenic, but what good is his understanding of his disorder if he sees demons and can't tell the difference between reality and his visions?

Vince Li is one anti-psychotic pill away from chaos. He should never be set free. 

Pray for Tim McLean that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.