A man who set a woman on fire on a Toronto bus in 2016 has been deemed not criminally responsible for her death, according to his lawyers.
The incident occurred on December 17, 2016, when Rohinie Bisesar, 41, poured a flammable liquid on 28-year-old Rosemarie Junor and set her on fire inside a Shoppers Drug Mart in the underground PATH system. Junor, who was working as a newlywed pharmacist at the time, suffered severe burns and died in hospital four days later.
Bisesar was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded to second-degree murder after Junor’s death. However, Bisesar’s lawyers argued that she was not criminally responsible for her actions due to a mental disorder.
After a lengthy trial, Justice John McMahon of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that Bisesar was not criminally responsible for Junor’s death. In his decision, McMahon stated that Bisesar was suffering from untreated schizophrenia at the time of the attack and did not understand the nature of her actions.
Bisesar’s lawyers, Calvin Barry and Robert Karrass, released a statement following the ruling, expressing their condolences to Junor’s family and acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident. They also emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and the need for better resources and support for those struggling with mental illness.
The Crown prosecutor, however, argued that Bisesar should be held criminally responsible for her actions, stating that she was aware of what she was doing and had the intent to harm Junor.
The ruling has sparked debate and raised questions about the criminal justice system’s handling of cases involving mental illness. Some have criticized the decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the severity of the crime.
Bisesar will now be transferred to a secure psychiatric facility, where she will receive treatment for her mental illness. The Ontario Review Board will review her case annually to determine if she is fit to be released back into the community.
Junor’s family has not yet commented on the ruling, but they have previously stated that they hope Bisesar receives the help she needs and that justice is served for their daughter’s death.
This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support for those who need it. It also highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for continued discussion and improvement in handling cases involving mental illness.
