Brian Csati who is believed to have had long-standing severe mental problems was found to be not criminally responsible for fatally stabbing Karl Alkier. Brian Csati, who was 19 at the time of the killing, stabbed Karl Alkier twice in the chest and once in the abdomen with a bread knife on Dec. 19, 2009 in Penticton.
Justice Glen Parrett of the Penticton Superior Court reviewed the facts of the case. An argument between Csati’s brother and their father on the phone escalated when the mother, Linda Csati came downstairs. Alkier, who was visiting the home, also came downstairs and the argument escalated further until the son left the house through a basement window. Justice Parrett said Brian was not involved in the argument involving his brother in any way but was present.
“Karl went up to the kitchen and the accused followed him, got out a bread knife from the drawer of the kitchen and stabbed Karl Alkier three times,” said Parrett. “The accused was quite calm and reserved. He said nothing before, during or after he stabbed Karl Alkier.” Brian then left the residence and returned shortly later, handing himself over to RCMP that were on the scene.
Brian was ordered to remain at a psychiatric treatment facility until a review board looks over medical information and testimony given in court along with the victim impact statements to decide on the disposition.
The court heard medical reports date back to at least 2007 on Brian, with psychosis raised at varying points when he was hospitalized. Brian was voluntary admitted to the hospital three times in 2008 and three times in 2009, including three weeks before the fatal stabbing. Doctors suggested the tragic death of Brian’s sister in a fire in 2004 possibly triggered his psychosis.
Doctor Shabrehram Lohrasbe stated in court that Csati had all three forms of psychosis and suffered from auditory hallucinations, paranoia, social isolation, angry outbursts, suicidal and homicidal thoughts. Doctors said Brian had delusions he was Satan or the Antichrist.
Alkier’s daughter, Diane Alkier, told the Penticton Western News Karl’s family have received great support from family and friends in Thunder Bay and Manitoba where they are from.
“We are suffering, but we are going to get through it because that is how we were raised by our father. It’s been a hard road, but we are glad there is some closure to this,” said Diane. She said it was obvious that Brian would not be held criminally responsible, but someone should be liable.
“It’s unfortunate that this young man is in the situation that he is in and we really hope that he gets the help that he needs. He should have got this help years ago when he was seeking medical attention,” said Diane.
Diane’s statement is indeed valid. When Brian Csati sought help and was diagnosed with the mental health issued described in court why did he not receive adequate treatment? In recent months there have been a number of incidents where persons found not criminally responsible for murders have sought for the review boards to grant increased privileges, and in some cases even returned to the community mere months after their court hearings. Their “doctors” have supported these motions!
The question begs to be answered. How can we deem someone found NCR for murder “cured” so quickly after the fact yet are unable to treat someone adequately when they seek help prior to committing any crime?
Shouldn’t Brian Csati doctors be liable for Karl Alkier murder?