Toronto Gunman Claims Voices Forced Him to Kill Two Men

UPDATE: New reports reveal that Richard Edwin, the man accused of murdering two strangers in downtown Toronto, told a psychiatrist that voices in his head compelled him to commit the killings. This shocking revelation comes as Edwin’s trial unfolds, raising pressing questions about mental health and public safety.

Edwin, 43, is facing charges of first-degree murder for the unprovoked shootings of Kartik Vasudev, 21, and Elijah Mahepath, 35, in separate attacks just 48 hours apart in April 2022. He informed psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Ramshaw that he believed his life and the lives of his family were in danger from white supremacists, claiming he had to act to protect himself.

In a chilling account, Edwin described how he amassed a collection of legally-owned firearms and tactical gear while living alone with untreated schizophrenia. He stated, “I thought it was OK because my self-defence and self-protection was more important than that.” Edwin carried a loaded weapon concealed on his person for several years prior to the attacks.

According to Ramshaw’s report, Edwin was formally diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2010 and struggled with hallucinations and delusions that led him to believe he was under constant threat. He expressed to the psychiatrist that he had received messages through the body language of strangers, which prompted his violent actions.

On April 7, 2022, Edwin armed himself with an AR-15 rifle and a handgun, claiming he was directed by voices to shoot a man he encountered. Surveillance footage captures Edwin approaching and shooting Vasudev multiple times in the back as he walked to work. Just two days later, on April 9, 2022, he killed Mahepath in a similar manner after again believing he was being ordered to do so.

Ramshaw, who is expected to testify at Edwin’s trial, argues that he should be found not criminally responsible (NCR) for his actions due to his mental disorder. She stated that while Edwin likely understood the legal implications of his actions, he “was more likely than not” unable to grasp the moral wrongness of what he was doing.

The court is now set to hear from a psychiatrist for the Crown, Dr. Alina Iosif, who will present her perspective on Edwin’s mental state. If Justice Jane Kelly finds Edwin NCR, he could be held in a psychiatric facility until deemed safe for release by the Ontario Review Board. Conversely, a conviction would lead to a life sentence with no guarantee of parole.

The implications of this case resonate deeply within the community, as both victims were targeted at random. Edwin’s delusions included fears of white supremacist conspiracies, which he claimed justified his actions. He told Ramshaw that if he did not comply with the voices, catastrophic events would occur, endangering his family.

The trial continues to unfold, highlighting the urgent intersection of mental health awareness and public safety. As the case develops, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of these tragic events and the questions they raise about accountability and mental illness.

As the court proceedings progress, the families of the victims and the broader public await the next steps in this alarming case. The outcome could have lasting effects on how mental health issues are addressed in the legal system and society at large.