Latest news with #Berkiw
Global News
6 days ago
- Global News
‘Delusional' man not liable for wife's death, B.C. court rules
The B.C. Supreme Court says a Chilliwack, B.C., man who stabbed his wife to death in 2024 was suffering from a 'delusional belief' when the violent killing occurred, finding him not criminally responsible for her murder. The court ruling posted online Wednesday says Joseph Berkiw, now 70, killed his wife, who can't be named under a publication ban, while believing he was 'saving her' from being tortured or raped by people who were targeting the couple. It says Berkiw worked as a machinist and had become 'preoccupied' with concerns about not getting paid from his job, and began acting in unusual and paranoid ways in the lead-up to the killing. 2:29 How do the courts define 'not criminally responsible'? The ruling says the couple lived with their adult son, who had called police over his father's 'bizarre behaviour' on Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, 2024, but officers determined he didn't meet the criteria to be apprehended 'under the Mental Health Act because nobody indicated he presented an immediate risk to himself or anyone else.' Story continues below advertisement The court ruling says Berkiw attacked his wife with a knife on Jan. 17, stabbing her before being taken to the ground by his son, and she called police in 'extreme distress,' telling the call-taker that her husband was mentally ill and 'trying to kill everybody.' Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The ruling says Berkiw broke free of his son's grasp and got another knife, slashing his wife's throat and cutting his son, who had tried to protect her, and the court found he was suffering from a mental disorder that included 'delusional beliefs' that rendered him 'incapable of knowing that his actions were morally wrong.'
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Chilliwack man found not criminally responsible for wife's stabbing death
The B.C. Supreme Court says a Chilliwack man who stabbed his wife to death in 2024 was suffering from a 'delusional belief' when the violent killing occurred, finding him not criminally responsible for her murder. The court ruling posted online Wednesday says Joseph Berkiw, now 70, killed his wife, who can't be named under a publication ban, while believing he was 'saving her' from being tortured or raped by people who were targeting the couple. It says Berkiw worked as a machinist and had become 'preoccupied' with concerns about not getting paid from his job, and began acting in unusual and paranoid ways in the lead-up to the killing. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The ruling says the couple lived with their adult son, who had called police over his father's 'bizarre behaviour' on Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, 2024, but officers determined he didn't meet the criteria to be apprehended 'under the Mental Health Act because nobody indicated he presented an immediate risk to himself or anyone else.' The court ruling says Berkiw attacked his wife with a knife on Jan. 17, stabbing her before being taken to the ground by his son, and she called police in 'extreme distress,' telling the call-taker that her husband was mentally ill and 'trying to kill everybody.' The ruling says Berkiw broke free of his son's grasp and got another knife, slashing his wife's throat and cutting his son, who had tried to protect her, and the court found he was suffering from a mental disorder that included 'delusional beliefs' that rendered him 'incapable of knowing that his actions were morally wrong.'
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Chilliwack, B.C., man found not criminally responsible for wife's stabbing death
CHILLIWACK – The B.C. Supreme Court says a Chilliwack, B.C., man who stabbed his wife to death in 2024 was suffering from a 'delusional belief' when the violent killing occurred, finding him not criminally responsible for her murder. The court ruling posted online Wednesday says Joseph Berkiw, now 70, killed his wife, who can't be named under a publication ban, while believing he was 'saving her' from being tortured or raped by people who were targeting the couple. It says Berkiw worked as a machinist and had become 'preoccupied' with concerns about not getting paid from his job, and began acting in unusual and paranoid ways in the lead-up to the killing. The ruling says the couple lived with their adult son, who had called police over his father's 'bizarre behaviour' on Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, 2024, but officers determined he didn't meet the criteria to be apprehended 'under the Mental Health Act because nobody indicated he presented an immediate risk to himself or anyone else.' The court ruling says Berkiw attacked his wife with a knife on Jan. 17, stabbing her before being taken to the ground by his son, and she called police in 'extreme distress,' telling the call-taker that her husband was mentally ill and 'trying to kill everybody.' Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. The ruling says Berkiw broke free of his son's grasp and got another knife, slashing his wife's throat and cutting his son, who had tried to protect her, and the court found he was suffering from a mental disorder that included 'delusional beliefs' that rendered him 'incapable of knowing that his actions were morally wrong.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025
