Re: Matthew Aeichele
ORB File No: 8404
Hearing held on: Monday, January 19, 2026
Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. C. Finley
Members: Dr. G.A. Chaimowitz
Dr. L. Leong
Ms. M.L. Bridger
Mr. J. Cyr
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Matthew Aeichele
Counsel: Mr. A. Rai
The person in charge of hospital: Representative: Dr. R. McMaster
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. R. Weinberg
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated March 6, 2026)
Overview
On October 10, 2023, Matthew Aeichele was found not criminally responsible (“NCR”) on the Criminal Code charge of aggravated assault.
Mr. Aeichele is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board (“the Board”) dated January 24, 2025, detaining him at the Forensic Service of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (“CAMH or the hospital”) with privileges up to and including living in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On January 19, 2026, this panel of the Board convened a hearing at CAMH for the annual review of Mr. Aeichele’s disposition pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code. Mr. Aeichele was present for the hearing and represented by counsel, Mr. Rai.
The issues for the Board to decide were whether Mr. Aeichele is a significant threat to the safety of the public and, if so, what is the necessary and appropriate disposition for the coming year based on a consideration of the factors in s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.
At the outset of the hearing, the parties were asked for their initial positions. Dr. McMaster recommended a Conditional Discharge. Crown counsel supported the hospital. Mr. Aeichele requested a Conditional Discharge and was consenting to the inclusion of a Young term which would require his attendance and readmission to hospital for assessment, if requested.
For the reasons set out below, this panel finds that Mr. Aeichele is a significant threat to the safety of the public and that the imposition of a conditional discharge with conditions was the least onerous and least restrictive disposition which would protect the safety of the public.
Index Offence
On May 1, 2022, the victim was smoking in front of a Loblaw’s store. Mr. Aeichele appeared, aggressively approached the victim, and began stabbing him without provocation and knocked him to the ground. Mr. Aeichele continued his attack against the victim while he was on the ground. Ultimately, the victim was able to get up and run away. Mr. Aeichele pursued the victim until he was able to escape by stepping onto a streetcar.
As a result of this attack, the victim suffered lacerations to the back of his head, to the area above his left ear, to his neck and to his right thigh. None of these injuries were life threatening, but they caused the victim to bleed profusely.