Vince Li could get absolute discharge

The man who was found not criminally responsible for a beheading on a Greyhound bus could be given complete freedom after a Manitoba Criminal Code Review Board hearing on Monday. 

Vince Li, who now goes by the name Will Baker, has already been living free in the community with some conditions since last year. He killed 22-year-old Tim McLean on a Greyhound bus in 2008.

He could get an "absolute discharge," depending on what his medical team has to say at his annual review hearing.

Baker has to go before the Manitoba Criminal Review Board every year, as they determine whether a person who is found not criminally responsible poses a threat to the safety of the public.

Last year Baker was discharged with some conditions that included taking his medication under supervision, disclosing his address to his medical team, and having no contact with the victim's family. 

Vince Li's request for more freedom OK'd by Manitoba review board

9 years ago

Duration 2:41

The man who beheaded a fellow passenger on a Greyhound bus in 2008 could move to independent living in the community once his treatment team completes an assessment report and recommends he's ready to do so, according to a decision by the Manitoba Criminal Code Review Board.

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The board's other option — if Baker is found not to be a threat to the public — is to grant an absolute discharge. He would no longer be required to attend annual reviews and or abide by conditions. Experts say NCR offenders are unlikely to reoffend. 

In 2008, Baker was sitting next to McLean on a bus near Portage la Prairie when he repeatedly stabbed McLean and mutilated his body.

He was found not criminally responsible because of his schizophrenia. Baker believed he was chosen by God to save people from an alien attack.

Every change to Baker's conditions seems to prompt controversy, from McLean's family rallying for a law to change NCR rules, to a law professor complaining about meddling politicians.

McLean's mother, Carol de Delley, has been outspoken in her belief that Baker should stay locked up. 

Carol De Delley reacts to news of Vince Li's new priveleges

11 years ago

Duration 4:19

Tim McLean's mother very disappointed with Manitoba Review Board decision.

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But every year the review board has granted him more and more freedom, because doctors have labelled him a "model patient" and low risk to society. 

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1999 that a review board must order an absolute discharge if a person doesn't pose a significant threat to public safety.

The hearing, held in Winnipeg, begins at 1 p.m. 

RAW: Archie Kaiser says justice has been served in the case of Timothy McLean's killer

9 years ago

Duration 1:34

RAW: Archie Kaiser says justice has been served in the case of Timothy McLean's killer