British Columbia Prime Minister: Review of triple stabbing in Chinatown to be published this week

A year after a man on day release from a forensic psychiatric facility allegedly stabbed three strangers to death in Vancouver's Chinatown, British Columbia's premier said the results of a review of the case would soon be released.

On September 10, 2023, the Light Up Chinatown event – ​​held to celebrate the community and showcase the neighborhood’s revitalization – ended in tragedy.

The suspect arrested and charged in this case is Blair Donnelly, who had been incarcerated at Colony Farm psychiatric hospital since being found not criminally responsible for stabbing his daughter to death in 2006.

In the days following the brutal and seemingly random attack, David Eby announced that the circumstances leading to Donnelly's release on day leave would be reviewed. Bob Rich, who served as Abbotsford Police Chief for ten years, was appointed to lead the investigation.

“The task was to find out how Blair Donnelly earned a pass after being classified as a high risk to the public just months earlier, and to investigate what happens in forensic hospitals when people are let out with these passes,” Eby said, adding that the findings will be released this week.

Dave Teixeira is an advocate for the families of victims going through the BC Board of Review process. The board decides whether people found not criminally responsible should be released and under what conditions.

“The mental health and wellbeing measures are inadequate. They do not take into account the needs of the mentally ill or those of the general public, who should be protected,” said Texeira.

“People don't feel safe, people feel like they're not being listened to. We're not going to solve this problem by ignoring it.”

Although the attack still sends shockwaves, the “Light Up Chinatown” event took place this year.

“This is very tragic. It is important to ensure community safety – whether in Vancouver's Chinatown or elsewhere – so that people feel safe at community events or on the streets,” said Queenie Choo, CEO of SUCCESS Vancouver.

Last week, two men were randomly attacked in downtown Vancouver – one died and the other had his hand severed.

According to police, the suspect had previously had 60 interactions with police departments in the province and described him as “very problematic.” The gruesome attacks have led politicians to call for more involuntary commitments for the mentally ill. In particular, they are demanding that the province reopen the long-closed Riverview Hospital.