Man who beheaded Greyhound bus passenger should get more freedom: psychiatrist

WINNIPEG – A doctor is suggesting that a man who beheaded a fellow passenger on a Greyhound bus in Manitoba should get more freedom.

Vince Li’s psychiatrist is asking the Criminal Code Review Board to let Li have unescorted day trips to Selkirk, Man.

Dr. Stephen Kremer says Li should also be moved out of a locked ward and onto an unlocked ward at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre.

Li has been at the mental hospital since he was found not criminally responsible for the killing of Tim McLean in 2008.

Li, an undiagnosed schizophrenic at the time, said he heard voices telling him to kill McLean, a complete stranger who was sitting beside him.

The review board holds annual hearings to review restrictions on Li, who was initially kept inside a locked wing 24 hours a day.

Kremer told the hearing Li has never been violent in the hospital, no longer suffers hallucinations or delusions and has made “excellent” progress.

Kremer said the ultimate goal is to have Li reintegrated into society — something McLean’s mother has opposed.

Carol DeDelley has said Li should be kept in custody for the rest of his life because there is no guarantee he will always take his medication.