Ontario Review Board
Re: Adam M. De Kroon
ORB File No: 8793
Hearing held on: Thursday, July 30, 2025
Place of Hearing: Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Pursuant to: Section 672.47(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. C. Finley
Members: Dr. R. Kunjukrishnan
Dr. L. Lightfoot
Ms. M.L. Bridger
Mr. A. Bouvier
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Adam De Kroon
Counsel: Ms. M. Munsterman
Person in charge of the hospital: Representative Dr. J. Gojer
Attorney-General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. M. Dufort
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated August 27, 2025)
Introduction
[1]. On May 28, 2025, Adam De Kroon was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (“NCR”) on a charge of criminal harassment and uttering threats to cause bodily harm/death, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. Upon the NCR verdict, the Honourable Court did not make a disposition and remitted the matter for a hearing before the Ontario Review Board (“ORB”/the “Board”).
[2]. On July 30, 205, the Board convened a panel at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (“ROH”/the “hospital”) to conduct an initial hearing pursuant to s.672.47(1) of the Criminal Code. Mr. De Kroon was present and represented by his counsel, Ms. Munsterman.
[3]. At the outset of the proceedings, all parties were canvassed as to their positions on the issues to be determined by the Board: whether Mr. De Kroon represents a significant threat to the safety of the pubic; and if so, the necessary and appropriate disposition having regard to the criteria set out in s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.
[4]. Dr. Gojer, on behalf of the hospital, submitted that Mr. De Kroon represents a significant threat to the safety of the public, and that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a detention order at ROH, with discretionary privileges including the ability to reside in the community in approved accommodation. Ms. Dufort, on behalf of the Ministry of the Attorney General, and Ms. Munsterman concurred in the hospital’s positions. Ms. Munsterman specifically conceded the issue of significant threat. Thus, a joint recommendation was put before the Board.
Findings
[5]. For the reasons that follow, the Board finds that Mr. De Kroon represents a significant threat to the safety of the public and the necessary and appropriate disposition is a detention order at the ROH with the terms and conditions as recommended by the hospital.
The Evidence
[6]. The evidence at the hearing consisted of the Hospital Report, dated July 15, 2025 (ex. 1), and the viva voce evidence of Dr. Gojer, Mr. De Kroon’s treating psychiatrist.
Index Offences
[7]. The circumstances of the index offences have been extracted from the Hospital Report at pp. 13-15:
Criminal Harassment
“On July 22nd, 2024, at 8:10pm the accused, Adam De Kroon, sent five (5) direct messages to the RCMP Instagram account, from the Instagram account @northernlightsridinggroupnl as follows:
"You dont get both side"
"You're gonna get nuked"
"Make a move faggot"
"Where is my monwy"
"I want German Citizenship and you all.dead"
On July 24th, 2024, at 5:10pm, the accused sent eleven (11) direct messages to the RCMP Instagram account, from the Instagram account
@northernlightsridinggroupnl as follows:
"Tell fat cunt Lucky to show face" (Seemingly referencing Brenda Lucki,
former Commissioner of the RCMP)
"I'll break her jaw"
"that's a guarantee"
"Shattered"
"You can hit her"
"You always were going to you fags"
"Semd me Commissioner Lucky"
"One shot her, next your throats, then your eyes"
"Burst fire"
"Senf the fat cunt"
"Watch her jaw go"
On August 2nd, 2024, at 10:50am, the accused sent thirty-eight (38) direct messages to the RCMP Instagram account, from the Instagram account @adammichaeldekroonnl as follows:
You gonna arrest or wait another 25
I hate Americans
You isis cunts
I hope isis kills you
You selfish fags
You selfish American fags
Ypu worthless loser faggots
I want my money (crying face symbol)
I want my life back (crying face symbol)
Process my fuckin money (crying face symbol)
I hope isis kills you
Die
Every day every fuckin day I wait
That's me
Where is my money
Miney
Money
Give me my money
MONEY!!!!!
$460,000
I want my money(crying face symbol)
I want my money(crying face symbol)
I cant wait to move ovwrseas
I hate Americans
Die pigs
Die fags
Die Americans
Die
You will be
when you are
You're not the all powerful
But you do have my bullet
Right?
Force suicide?
I hate Canada
I hate America
I hate Americans Diiiieeeee
Help me
Girls where are you
Uttering Threat to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
The victim reported being a Crisis Response professional, who received a referral for service through the Neighbourhood Link program from the “Fountain” in Arnprior for Mr. De Kroon the weekend prior. Th victim had not dealt with Mr. De Kroon previously, and only heard of Mr. De Kroon through affiliates at work.
The victim had planned to meet with Mr. De Kroon on November 21, 2024 at the Fountain, but he was not present. The victim received information from staff that Mr. De Kroon was known to both Crisis Workers and Police to have no fixed address, but commonly attended businesses and community buildings in Arnprior. The victim was provided a description of Mr. De Kroon and departed to search for him to provide assistance.
At about 1:30 PM, the victim attended the Tim Horton’s / Wendy’s and found Mr. De Kroon seated in the dining area of the restaurant. The victim approached Mr. De Kroon and confirmed his identity, where she introduced herself and if he needed assistance. He was described as calm and pleasant, carrying out a conversation for about thirty minutes. It was noted that Mr. De Kroon had troubles dealing with male Crisis Workers in the past, and had requested a female Crisis Worker specifically.
The victim made a phone call to Ontario Works on Mr. De Kroon’s behalf when the interaction became hostile. She handed her work phone to Mr. De Kroon, which he then placed on the table between them and switching it to a speaker phone. When the victim reached for the phone to adjust the volume, Mr. De Kroon said “if you touch that fucking phone again, I’ll fucking break it.” His mood rapidly changed and signs of paranoia became present, where he accused the victim of working for the government, FBI, and then CSIS. The victim apologized and excused herself from the conversation, where she attended the Wendy’s counter to purchase food. Mr. De Kroon followed behind her and stood at close proximity to her, where she could feel him touching her right arm. Mr. De Kroon then uttered, “leave me the fuck alone.” The victim advised that she would leave and walked to the opposite side of the restaurant to the ordering counter.
However, Mr. De Kroon continued to stand in close proximity, where she could feel his breath on her. She ordered a coffee and made attempts to have Tim Horton’s staff aware of her need for assistance. She then attempted to depart through the north entrance to the building, and Mr. De Kroon physically intercepted her in the vestibule of the doorway, blocking her from leaving. He then grabbed her right arm in an attempt to stop her from leaving, and he uttered “leave cunt before I fucking kill you.” She verbally told Mr. De Kroon to stop touching her, and she was able to break free of his grip by elbowing him and going underneath his left arm.
The victim returned to the Tim Horton’s and requested assistance from an employee to walk her to her car. Mr. De Kroon followed her and the female employee to the vehicle, where he continued to utter “I’m going to kill you” and “leave me the fuck alone.” The victim was able to return to her personal vehicle, departed the premises, and contacted the non-emergency line.
Background Information
[8]. The Hospital Report contains details about Mr. De Kroon’s background and psychiatric history and need not be reviewed here beyond the following material facts. There are no collateral sources relating to Mr. De Kroon’s background. He is a 41-year-old man who describes his childhood as having been “problematic”. His mother was very strict. She required him to return home immediately after school to participate in bible study, thereby limiting his ability to socialize and participate in after school activities.
[9]. When Mr. De Kroon was ten, his mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He became her primary caregiver, often staying at home from school to care for her. She became more preoccupied with religion and studied the bible excessively. When he was twelve, his father was in a car accident. The result was that Mr. De Kroon was caring for both parents on a full-time basis.
[10]. Mr. De Kroon left his home at the age of 15. He was employed briefly in various jobs and supported, on and off, by Ontario Works. For the most part he has been homeless. Mr. De Kroon stated a preference for sleeping outdoors, finding shelters unsafe. He has been transient since 2018, moving between cities in the Greater Toronto Area and also in the vicinity of Ottawa.
[11]. Mr. De Kroon reported that he first smoked cannabis at the age of sixteen and, by the time he was eighteen, he was smoking on a daily basis. He found that it assisted him in managing anxiety and depression and he obtained a medical cannabis prescription. He advised that he has no concerns about his substance use and plans to resume upon discharge from hospital.
[12]. Mr. De Kroon has a criminal record consisting of three separate convictions between 2014 and 2017 for criminal harassment. He also has outstanding charges in Pembroke, Ontario for uttering threats and assault, arising out of an incident in 2025; 2024 charges of uttering a threat and failing to comply with a release order in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario; and 2022 charges of assault with a weapon (x2) and mischief over (x4) in Brampton.
[13]. Mr. De Kroon was admitted to the Brampton Civic Hospital in 2019. He was found by police on an overpass, looking down on the road below. They were concerned about his wellbeing. When questioned, Mr. De Kroon spoke of ISIS, being in touch with Justin Trudeau, and his need to be vigilant in order to keep Canada safe. He was not exhibiting any symptoms of psychosis, although paranoia was noted. He was discharged the following day.
[14]. Following his arrest on the index offences, Mr. De Kroon was found unfit to stand trial and admitted to the ROH on February 24, 2025, pursuant to a Treatment Order. During his admission he exhibited significant thought disorder and delusions. He was compliant with oral medication and his mood remained stable. His diagnosis was Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and other Psychotic Disorder. He was subsequently found fit to stand trial and ultimately NCR on May 28, 2025. He has remained in hospital since February 2025.
Course Since the NCR Finding
[15]. Dr. Gojer testified before the Board. He reported that Mr. De Kroon continues to be compliant with treatment and his schizophrenia is in partial remission. He has not exhibited any aggression and there have been no issues while he has been on the unit. Mr. De Kroon continues to experience delusions; however these do not interfere with his interactions with staff or copatients.
[16]. Dr. Gojer testified that Mr. De Kroon currently is transitioning to a long acting injectable form of antipsychotic medication. Once a disposition is issued, the expectation is that Mr. De Kroon will move to the forensic Rehabilitation Unit and be granted privileges fairly quickly. Dr. Gojer testified that Mr. De Kroon will likely transition to a group home or other transitional accommodation in the community. In the doctor’s opinion, a detention order is necessary and appropriate in order to ensure that Mr. De Kroon does not revert back to his transient lifestyle.
[17]. With respect to Mr. De Kroon’s insight, Dr. Gojer testified that it is limited at this time. Mr. De Kroon is aware that he was quite ill at the time of the index offences and was angry and upset. The doctor indicated that further insight is “a work in progress”. Mr. De Kroon’s illness is currently in partial remission as he remains quite guarded and wary.
[18]. Dr. Gojer is not in favour of a condition prohibiting contact with the RCMP. Once Mr. De Kroon is transferred to the Rehabilitation Unit, he will have access to the internet. In the doctor’s opinion, it is better for the clinical team to know if Mr. De Kroon resumes contacting the RCMP when he is in the hospital. He agreed that such a condition would, in fact, be counterproductive.
[19]. Dr. Gojer agreed with Ms. Munsterman’s suggestion that at the time of the other outstanding charges, Mr. De Kroon was transient and likely unwell at the time. It is expected that all of the outstanding charges either have been withdrawn or will be resolved accordingly.1
[20]. Dr. Gojer testified that Mr. De Kroon has a high potential for discharge. He would likely spend a few weeks on the Rehabilitation Unit and, in the doctor’s view, would be in the community in a few months.
[21]. In response to questions from the panel, Dr. Gojer indicated that Mr. De Kroon would undergo an assessment by an Occupational Therapist which would take approximately 4-6 weeks. Once he starts exercising passes in the community, the clinical team will be closely monitoring him to ensure that he is able to comply with his treatment plan. Once he is living in the community, they will monitor whether he remains in the approved accommodation and whether he continues to abstain from cannabis.
[22]. All parties maintained the joint submission.
Analysis and Conclusion
[23]. The Board has carefully considered the Hospital Report and the evidence of Dr. Gojer and unanimously finds that Mr. De Kroon represents a significant threat to the safety of the public. Mr. De Kroon suffers from Schizophrenia. When untreated, his delusions become more pronounced, and in the past, he has exhibited threatening behaviour as shown in his criminal convictions, the index offences and his outstanding charges. Although the current index offences do not include physical aggression, the threats and content of the messages are clearly criminal in nature and capable of resulting in significant psychological harm. Absent a disposition, Mr. De Kroon would likely revert to his transient lifestyle, making compliance with treatment difficult, if not impossible, and resume using cannabis to manage his symptoms. As such, the Board agrees with the joint submission that he remains a significant threat to the safety of the public.
[24]. Having found that Mr. De Kroon continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public, the Board must consider the necessary and appropriate disposition taking into consideration the criteria set out in s.672.54 of the Criminal Code, which includes the need to protect the public from dangerous persons, the mental condition of the accused, the integration of the accused into society and the other needs of the accused.
[25]. The Board unanimously finds that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a detention order at the Royal Ottawa Hospital with terms and conditions, including the ability to reside in the community in approved accommodation. Mr. De Kroon has been compliant with medication, and his illness is currently in partial remission. While more treatment and ongoing support are required, he currently is appropriate for consideration for some form of passes in the community. Over the course of the next few months, he may be appropriate to transition to the community. Before that occurs, the hospital will have an opportunity to continue to work with Mr. De Kroon on his insight, on his history of problematic substance use and the impact that cannabis has on his mental status and his risk for violence, and critically, the importance of stable accommodation in the community.
[26]. Accordingly, the Board orders that Mr. De Kroon be subject to a detention order with the terms and conditions as recommended by the hospital and agreed to by all parties.
DATED this 27th day of August 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Ms. C. Finley
Alternate Chairperson
__________________
Office of the Registrar
Ontario Review Board