Man Found Not Criminally Responsible for Vancouver Stabbing Attack

A man who stabbed three individuals during a festival in Vancouver’s Chinatown has been found not criminally responsible for his actions due to a mental disorder. The decision was issued by the B.C. Supreme Court on October 24, 2025, revealing significant insights into the mental health struggles of the accused, Blair Donnelly.

During the trial, Justice Eric Gottardi emphasized that the court does not convict individuals for actions stemming from mental illness. The incident occurred in September 2023, when Donnelly, who has a history of mental health issues, attacked the victims after reportedly seeking divine guidance on whether to proceed with the act. He claimed he received no sign, which led him to believe he was following God’s command.

Donnelly’s legal representation argued that their client was overwhelmed by his beliefs, asserting that he genuinely thought he was acting in accordance with a higher power. In contrast, the Crown counsel contended that Donnelly was capable of understanding the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the attack.

The court heard testimony from mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist who diagnosed Donnelly with schizophrenia and later indicated a more specific diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, a condition characterized by religious delusions. This diagnosis played a pivotal role in the court’s determination of his mental state during the incident.

Following the verdict, Donnelly’s case will be reviewed by the B.C. Review Board, which is responsible for individuals found not criminally responsible. This board will assess his situation and make recommendations regarding his care and supervision within the next 90 days.

On the day of the stabbing, Donnelly was on unescorted leave from the B.C. Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. This raises questions about the management of individuals with serious mental health disorders and the safety protocols in place for those under treatment.

Donnelly’s history of violence is concerning; he was previously found not criminally responsible for the stabbing death of his daughter in 2006 and for an attack on another patient with a butter knife in 2017. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Donnelly himself, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health issues within the legal system and the need for careful consideration of public safety.

The events in Vancouver’s Chinatown have prompted discussions about mental health awareness and the complexities surrounding criminal responsibility, reminding society of the delicate balance between justice and compassion for those struggling with mental disorders.