A fourteen-year-old youth was charged with second degree murder as a party to the offence (instigator) in connection with the stabbing death of a fifteen-year-old victim.
The Crown sought detention under section 29(2) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The court found that while the youth had no prior criminal record, extensive Children's Aid Society records documented a pattern of severe and escalating violence toward his mother since May 2017, including assaults with weapons, threats, and dangerous behavior.
The court determined that detention was necessary for public protection and the safety of the victim (the mother), finding a substantial likelihood the youth would commit serious offences if released.
The court rejected the proposed release plan involving the mother and family members as sureties, finding they could not adequately control the youth's violent behavior and impulsivity.