Re: Jared J. Shokoff, 2026 CanLII 53884

Ontario Review Board

Re: Jared J. Shokoff

ORB File No: 8896

Hearing held on: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Pursuant to: Section 672.47(1) of the Criminal Code

Before:

Alternate Chairperson: Mr. M.D. Segal

Members: Dr. T. Verny

Dr. S. Wiseman

Ms. A. Israel

Mr. A. Mete

Parties Appearing:

Accused: Jared J. Shokoff

Counsel: Mr. A. Stastny

The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Ms. M. Warner

Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. R. Weinberg

REASONS FOR DISPOSITION

(Dated June 2, 2026)

Introduction

1. Jared J. Shokoff, age 20, was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on October 31, 2025, on a charge second-degree murder. His matter was referred by the court to the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”) to make a disposition.

2. On April 22, 2026, Mr. Shokoff appeared before the Board from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (the “hospital”) for his initial hearing.

3. Exhibit 1 was the Hospital Report dated March 17, 2026. Exhibit 2 was the criminal file that included earlier assessments.

4. In preliminary positions, significant threat was not contested. The hospital recommended a detention order on the Forensic Service with a range of privileges set out at pages 20 to 21 of the report, up to and including to enter the community indirectly supervised. Crown counsel also requested a prohibition relating to substances, testing and a weapons ban. Mr. A. Stastny, who appeared by audiovisual means, anticipated on behalf of the patient joining in that position. By the conclusion of the hearing the Board agreed with the joint submission but added non-contact and non-attendance clauses.

Diagnoses

5. Schizophrenia;

Cannabis Use Disorder in sustained remission within a controlled environment.

Index Offence

6. While extremely psychotic and paranoid, Mr. Shokoff accepted a ride on his good friend’s e-bike. At some point in the journey and fearing harm from his friend, Mr. Shokoff, who was the passenger, stabbed the victim 22 times primarily in the head and upper torso. After that incident Mr. Shokoff contemplated suicide.

Background

7. Mr. Shokoff’s background is set out in detail in the Hospital Report. Mr. Shokoff was raised in Toronto. His parents separated when he was one or two. Mr. Shokoff was the youngest in a blended sibline of five. He grew up with his mother and a half-brother. He was diagnosed with ADHD. He apprenticed as a plumber.

8. At 15 he worked for McDonald's 20 to 30 hours a week for three years. He left work in November 2023 during a period of progressive self-isolation due to paranoid thinking. He began to smoke cannabis regularly and spent time gambling. He is not in a current relationship.

9. In the year preceding the index offence he was being treated for his illness but could not consent to treatment. The patient's paranoia and auditory hallucinations were escalating.

10. Mr. Shokoff was treated in jail where he became symptom free. He has been asymptomatic since March of 2024.

Evidence at Hearing

11. Dr. C. Kung, the patient’s psychiatrist, testified. Mr. Shokoff was admitted to CAMH December 15, 2025. He is optimally treated with antipsychotic medication and is cooperative with treatment. There are no true active symptoms.

12. In 2023, Mr. Shokoff told his psychiatrist that in 2014 he sexually assaulted a 5-year-old girl. There is uncertainty on the part of the hospital about the sexual assault that allegedly occurred when he was 11 is real or a part of his illness. It is not now a focus of current hospital attention. However, in due course, an updated risk assessment will return to that subject.

13. He has fair to good insight into substance use. He appreciates the connection between cannabis and mental disorder, and his plan is to be abstinent.

14. Mr. Shokoff has fair insight into his illness and the need for medication. His behaviour in hospital has been very positive. There have been no signs of aggression or violence. In a few instances there was misuse of tablet privileges.

15. Mr. Shokoff has participated in substance programs on the unit, and more courses will be earmarked. There is ongoing psychoeducation to strengthen insight, avoid risk and avoid substances.

16. A cautious and gradual approach to privileges is being taken bearing in mind the serious index offence.

17. Mr. Shokoff’s family has strong insight into his illness and the associated symptoms. Mr. Shokoff accepts his diagnoses. Mr. Shokoff can discuss his offence including extreme paranoia at the time. He has acknowledged the negative impacts of his outstanding charge. He has significant remorse.

18. Mr. Shokoff has a good rapport with the forensic team.

19. In final submissions the parties accepted that a non-attendance and non-contact provision was appropriate.

Analysis

20. The ultra-serious index offence is top of mind. However, Mr. Shokoff who is quite young, has strong insight. He is medication compliant and is cooperating in all aspects of his treatment. He has been asymptomatic for two years. There have been no issues in hospital. There is good family support. The joint position is sensible. The hospital is taking a cautious approach to passes bearing in mind the outstanding charge. The proposed conditions are appropriate including non-attendance and non-contact. The issue of the historical sexual assault will no doubt be looked at when there is an updated risk assessment next year. Mr. Shokoff’s progress has been very promising. We wish him well in the upcoming year.

DATED this 2^nd day of June, 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.

Mr. M.D. Segal

Alternate Chairperson

Office of the Registrar

Ontario Review Board