Alberta Review Board allows some freedoms for Airdrie man who killed mother
CTV
The Alberta Review Board says a young man who killed his mother because he thought she was possessed by Satan is allowed trips to Calgary.
The Alberta Review Board says a young man who killed his mother because he thought she was possessed by Satan is allowed trips to Calgary.
Alexander Thorpe, 22, was found not criminally responsible for the January 2022 killing of 48-year-old Melanie Lowen by reason of a mental disorder.
Thorpe was arrested after showing up at an Airdrie car dealership nude, except for a gold cross around his neck, covered in blood.
He told first responders that he was told by Jesus to kill Satan, who he said had taken over his mother’s body.
A psychiatrist determined Thorpe suffered from a type of bipolar disorder that can cause episodes of psychosis with hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and a lack of awareness of reality.
At his trial, Justice Suzanne Bensler determined there was sufficient evidence Thorpe was suffering a mental disorder at the time of the offence and was incapable of knowing what he did was wrong.
On July 20, Thorpe appeared via CCTV at an annual review hearing to assess his treatment and determine whether he should be allowed any increased privileges or freedoms over the next year.
