Ontario Review Board
Re: Guilherme von Neutegem
ORB File No: 8267
Hearing held on: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. M.D. Segal Members: Dr. P.E. Cook Dr. S. Wiseman Hon. C. Nelson Ms. R. Chopra
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Guilherme von Neutegem Counsel: Ms. M. Murphy
The person in charge of hospital: Representative: Dr. S. Chatterjee
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. V. Culp
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated October 9, 2025)
Introduction
On March 24, 2023, Guilherme von Neutegem was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on a charge of murder, contrary to the Criminal Code.
Mr. von Neutegem, who is subject to a Detention Order with privileges up to and including living in the community, in accommodation approved by the person in charge, appeared on September 11, 2025, before the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (the “hospital”), for his annual hearing.
In preliminary positions, the hospital indicated that the current Disposition should remain as is. Crown counsel and counsel for the patient agreed. By the conclusion of the hearing, having reviewed and heard the evidence and submissions, the Board agreed. The Board had before it as Exhibit 1 the Hospital Report dated August 8, 2025, and several Victim Impact Statements. Family members and supporters of the victim attended. One Victim Impact Statement was read to the panel.
Diagnoses
- Schizophrenia and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (premorbid)
Index Offence
- The circumstances of the index offence are taken from last year’s Reasons for Disposition as follows:
“The victim was sitting out front, on a chair, looking at his cellphone. The perpetrator, Mr. von Neutegem, walks past a few steps and waits for a few moments, then returns northbound. He passes the victim, turns away and removes a large butcher knife he had secreted under their hoodie, and returns to stab the victim from behind and subsequently runs off.”
Background
Mr. von Neutegem is 39. He was born in Brazil. He maintains contact with his family in Brazil. He is divorced, with no dependents and supported by ODSP. Mr. von Neutegem has no status in Canada. His visa had expired, and he was denied permanent residency. He arrived in Canada from the United States in 2008. He is apparently seeking residency hoping to be permitted to stay on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. He completed a three-year Human Behaviour diploma at Toronto’s Humber College.
He began to hear voices in his 20s. Prior to the index offence he had no psychiatric history, criminal charges or convictions.
The Hospital Report indicates the following:
“In his 30s, Mr. von Neutegem’s prior thoughts and interest in studying mysticism, religion, and the supernatural became much more intense. While he did not exhibit severe disorganization in his thought form or behaviour, he began to believe that he could communicate with the “entities” who would speak to him and guide him. He saw visions of war and cataclysm. He thought himself as a special messenger. He began to experience a decline in his overall function, such as a loss of social connections, a decline in work, a neglect in his personal hygiene, and a divorce. He became paranoid and began experiencing command hallucinations to kill. It appears his premorbid Schizotypal personality disorder had evolved into Schizophrenia.”
Evidence at Hearing
Dr. S. Chatterjee, the patient’s psychiatrist since May 2024, testified. Dr. Chatterjee reported that Mr. von Neutegem was adherent to medication and stable. He was on a long-acting injection. Mr. von Neutegem participates in programming and recreational endeavours. He achieved the highest level of privileges in January of 2025. He works with an occupational therapist to consider employment possibilities. Mr. von Neutegem has often expressed remorse for his actions acknowledging how difficult it must be for the family and friends of the victim. The consequences of his actions bring him sadness.
Mr. von Neutegem identifies as a Buddhist. He practices meditation.
Dr. Chatterjee reported that Mr. von Neutegem has good insight into his illness, its symptoms, and the role and need for medication. During the time she has treated the patient there has been no recurrence of psychotic symptoms that has been observed. There are no signs of antisocial personality and no substance issues. Dr. Chatterjee believes the motivation to adhere to medication and treatment is internally motivated.
Dr. Chatterjee was of the view that when released, Mr. von Neutegem would require supported housing. He is introverted and keeps to himself. It would be helpful to have eyes on him. If living in the community, reporting at least once per week would be recommended. When first released, the reporting would be even more frequent than weekly requirements.
The possibility of housing is a challenging question because of the patient’s lack of status in Canada.
While last year's Reasons for Decision noted a guarded attitude on the part of the patient, Dr. Chatterjee said that Mr. von Neutegem always responds to questions put by the team. He is not an effusive person. There is no evidence that the patient is withholding information. Travel would not be recommended in view of the lack of status in Canada.
In Dr. Chatterjee’s view, Mr. von Neutegem meets the significant threat threshold. Because he has never received community privileges he has never been tested in the community.
There is at least one community placement in the Toronto area that may offer health care despite the lack of status in Canada.
The schizotypal diagnosis relates to Mr. von Neutegem’s oddities, and interests.
Analysis
Mr. von Neutegem’s index offence in 2020 was horrendous. The Board had before it, in writing, and in one case personally presented, compelling evidence about the inexplicable loss of a loved and admired man.
Dr. Chatterjee was clear that significant threat to the public continued to be present. As the hospital report this is based on having a major mental illness, substance use and extreme violence while experiencing psychotic symptoms and the re-offence scenario outlined in the hospital report. The Board agrees. Mr. von Neutegem has been working well with his forensic team and is receptive to their advice. He is compliant with treatment and medication. Substances are not an issue.
The current Disposition properly balances the safety of the public and the rehabilitative needs of the patient.
A particular challenge is that Mr. von Neutegem has no status in Canada. It would benefit the Board to receive a factual update regarding that status, including whether any application to remain in Canada has been filed, when it was filed, and the projected timelines and process relating to decision making.
Mr. von Neutegem is working hard on his treatment course. His commitment to treatment appears internally motivated. Continued cooperation with the forensic team is desirable. We wish Mr. von Neutegem well in the upcoming year.
DATED this 9th day of October 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.
Mr. M.D. Segal Alternate Chairperson
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Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board