David Carmichael found to be NCR of murdering his son….runs as an independent candidate in Huntsville, Ont

A man determined to have been mentally ill who was subsequently found not guilty of murdering his son is running as an independent candidate in Huntsville, Ont. David Carmichael, 52, says he knows he probably he won’t win against Conservative incumbent and Industry Minister Tony Clement, but he hopes elected MPs and voters will listen to his campaign message, which highlights the potential dangers of anti-depressants and other medications.

On his website David Carmichael states that his hope is that some of the information posted may help prevent suicidal and homicidal tragedies.

In July 2003, at the age of 45, I experienced my first major depression. I started taking 40mg. of the antidepressant Paxil a day. By September, I was feeling mentally healthy again. After forgetting to take Paxil for a few days in February 2004, I weaned myself off the drug. I started to feel depressed again in July.

My symptoms included insomnia, increased anxiety, rapid weight loss, low concentration and a lack of energy. I put myself back on 40mg. of Paxil a day. A few days after I started taking Paxil again, I was having suicidal thoughts. I thought I could get rid of the thoughts and recover more quickly if I increased my dosage. On July 17, I started taking 60mg. of Paxil a day. Three days later, I planned my suicide. I went from planning my suicide to planning a murder-suicide to planning a murder. On July 31, 2004, I killed my 11-year-old son Ian. I was charged with first-degree murder.

In November 2004, I was diagnosed by one of the leading forensic psychiatrists in the world as being in a “major depression” with “psychotic episodes” when I killed Ian. In May 2005, his assessment was supported by another leading forensic psychiatrist, who was hired by the crown attorney. On September 30, 2005, I was judged to be “not criminally responsible on account of a mental disorder” for murdering Ian. I received an absolute discharge from the Ontario Review Board on December 4, 2009.

David’s message is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental illness…. and one of the reasons why we need a discussion!

BC Attorney General needs to consider more than just the Allan Schoenborn decision.

British Columbia Attorney General Barry Penner is now saying that officials will reconsider the decision to allow child killer Allan Schoenborn escorted access to the community after Port Coquitlam member of the legislature Mike Farnworth spoke out that it was “outrageous” that the review board did not consider that Schoenborn’s ex-wife, Darcie Clarke, was living in Coquitlam, B.C., when the board decided to grant escorted access to the community surrounding the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in nearby Port Coquitlam.

Schoenborn was found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) of murdering his three children three years ago. The BC “justice” system has been criticized for the NCR ruling as Allan Schoenborn actions after the murder clearly indicate a person who was well aware of his actions to everyone but those responsible for seeing justice done. Allan Schoenborn was found NCR a year ago.

Several recent media reports have stated that Ms. Clarke lives in Coquitlam, close to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, where Mr. Schoenborn has been held since his trial last year.

But Dr. Johann Brink, who is clinical director of the psychiatric hospital and would had a role in approving any outings, appeared to learn of Ms. Clarke’s place of residence during an interview, when CKNW’s Bill Good asked Dr. Brink about the public-safety implications of releasing a mentally ill individual into the community where his wife is “living in fear.”

Dr. Brink responded he “certainly was not aware of his ex-wife’s whereabouts,” adding that the information could change his recommendations on supervised releases for Mr. Schoenborn.

A spokeswoman for B.C. Mental Health and Addiction Services, the agency that oversees the hospital where Mr. Schoenborn now resides, said the agency “made great efforts to learn the whereabouts of family members who would have an interest in Mr. Schoenborn going out on community visits.”

“This is standard protocol,” Laurie Dawkins said on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, some of the individuals connected with this case made great effort to remain anonymous – which is understandable – but it prevented us from knowing about their current residence.”

Review board chairman Bernd Walter said the board did not know about Ms. Clarke’s location, Mr. Penner said. A victim impact statement filed by Ms. Clarke included no information on where she was living, nor was such formation required.

It has only been a year since the trial… British Columbia Attorney General Barry Penner might want to consider reviewing more than just the decision.

“Many Voices, Many Paths”… and another Review Board that just doesn’t get it!

Layne Larose may have murdered David Kennedy and Hughie Sayers, but the brutal slaying had many other victims. So with April 10 – 16 being declared Victims of Crime Awareness Week in Saskatchewan, the week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the needs of victims of crime and tragedy in Saskatchewan. This year’s theme is “Many Voices, Many Paths”.

So it is fitting that many Saskatchewan voices went unheeded when nine years after David Kennedy and Hughie Sayers were brutally murdered with an axe, the man found not criminally responsible for their deaths will be free to live in the Battlefords.

Layne Larose will be allowed to live in an approved home in North Battleford or Battleford with an operator committed to monitoring Larose and reporting to his treatment team, according to a decision by the Sask. Review Board on Friday following an application for release at a hearing in October, 2010. At this hearing numerous victim impact statements were read while numerous others were rejected.

A board hearing will be scheduled when an appropriate home has been located and conditions of Larose’s release will be set at that time.

Larose, now 48, was initially detained in the Regional Psychiatric Centre and later Saskatchewan Hospital, where he was treated for mental illness.

Justice Peter Foley, chair of the Sask. Review Board, wrote in his decision that Larose represents a continuing risk to the community, but that risk is small. “He is now ready to participate in the community and take his place as one of its productive members”.

Many family members of the victims questioned the wisdom of releasing Layne Larose, but especially into their community where encounters with Larose would be hard to avoid. Despite Layne Larose appeal for forgiveness, anger and resentment towards both Layne Larose and the Saskatchewan justice system for their handling of the murders of David Kennedy and Hughie Sayers continues to be emotional charged. There are fears that encounters could quickly escalate into situations that bring further trauma and heartbreak to families that have already suffered enough.

“Many Voices, Many Paths”…  and another Review Board that just doesn’t get it!