Ashcroft man accused of killing uncle declines psychiatric assessment

'I'VE ALREADY HAD AN ASSESSMENT DONE TWICE. I DON'T HAVE ANY PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS'

KAMLOOPS – The man accused of killing his uncle in Ashcroft two years ago has not undergone a psychiatric assessment and is declining to use the defence of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder.

Shane Gyoba appeared in a Kamloops Supreme Court this morning, June 17, where his defence lawyer, Don Campbell, declined to enter submissions.

Gyoba was disruptive, ranting and rambling before Judge Dev Dley entered the courtroom.

Trial resumed today after lengthy delays in proceedings going back to last August when Gyoba's lawyer requested a psychiatric assessment.

In closing arguments Crown prosecutor Neil Flanagan argued since Gyoba declined to use the not criminally responsible defence, he must be presumed sane, and therefore capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong.

"There is no reason to find Mr. Gyoba did not know striking his uncle in the head at least three times with a shovel would cause death," Flanagan told the court.

Gyoba is accused of killing his uncle, Ed, back in June 2014. Ed's body was found behind his home he shared with Gyoba, and he died of blunt force trauma to the head.

For past stories on the trial, you can click here.

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