A man in Toronto, Tenzin Norbu, was found not criminally responsible for setting a woman, Nyima Dolma, on fire onboard a Toronto transit bus in June 2022. Both the prosecution and defense agreed that Norbu was not guilty of first-degree murder due to his mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. The judge, Justice Maureen Forestell, ruled that Norbu was actively psychotic at the time of the offense and was incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Alina Iosif confirmed Norbu’s diagnosis of schizophrenia during the trial, stating that his mental illness rendered him unable to make rational choices when he killed Dolma.
During the incident, Norbu poured lighter fluid on Dolma and set her on fire while they were on a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus. Dolma suffered severe burns to around 60% of her body and succumbed to her injuries 18 days after the attack despite the efforts of bystanders, first responders, and medical professionals. Norbu will now be remanded to the Ontario Review Board for an initial disposition hearing in the coming weeks. The board will determine which hospital Norbu will be detained at and what privileges, if any, he will have. According to Forestell, Norbu cannot be unconditionally released unless the board determines that he is no longer a significant threat to the public.
The judge’s ruling was based on the assessment that Norbu’s psychosis had impaired his ability to make rational choices and distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime. This led to the conclusion that he was not criminally responsible for his actions. It was established that Norbu’s schizophrenia contributed to his inability to access rational choice during the attack on Dolma. The tragic incident took place at Kipling Station in Toronto’s west end, resulting in the death of Dolma, who was engulfed in flames and tried to escape from the bus while on fire.
The decision to find Norbu not criminally responsible highlights the complexities of mental illness within the legal system and the impact it can have on an individual’s ability to understand the consequences of their actions. In cases where mental illness is a contributing factor to a crime, the legal framework allows for a determination of not criminally responsible, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. The upcoming hearing with the Ontario Review Board will further evaluate Norbu’s condition and determine the appropriate course of action for his treatment and supervision, considering public safety as a priority.
The tragic incident involving Norbu and Dolma underscores the importance of mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to adequate mental health resources within communities. Individuals experiencing mental health challenges should receive support and treatment to prevent such devastating outcomes. The verdict in Norbu’s case reflects the recognition of the impact of mental illness on behavior and the need for a compassionate and rehabilitative approach to addressing criminal actions resulting from mental health issues. Ultimately, the focus should be on providing resources and support to individuals with mental illness to prevent further harm and promote healing within society.
