Mental disorder hearing in 2022 Nanaimo murder wraps up

Final arguments have wrapped up about whether a man should be found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder for a murder he committed in Nanaimo 18 months ago.

The hearing began Monday after 23-year-old Simon Baker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Sherri Allick attended the three-day hearing about what should happen to the man who killed her half-sister, 41-year-old Denise Allick.

“She was the most loving, happiest freak. She would always hug me, and I’m not a hugger,” said Sherri. “And she loved her nieces and her son.”

Baker pleaded guilty Monday to the second-degree murder of Allick on June 20, 2022.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Baker left his grandparents’ Eighth Street home to have a smoke when he saw Allick. The two have no known connection to each other.

“Doesn’t seem that there was. We’re not aware of any, and there’s been no evidence to suggest otherwise,” said Nick Barber, Crown Counsel.

Baker stabbed her six times before going in and telling his grandmother there was a girl covered in blood outside.

Baker called for a taxi before he left. Police and BC Ambulance arrived soon after and found Allick had died from her injuries.

Baker didn’t get far before he took calls on his cell phone from his grandfather and then an officer.

“He actually spoke to police on the phone and came right back, so yeah, it’s kind of odd. You would think he would just stay or really run,” said Stephen Taylor, Baker’s lawyer.

The court heard this week Baker has schizophrenia and a substance use disorder. He was using drugs constantly, and he said he ingested meth and fentanyl before the attack.

Allick’s sister says the details have helped her find some closure.

“Yes, just because now I know more. Before, they could only tell me so much,” she said.

The question argued at the Nanaimo courthouse this week was whether Baker should be found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.

“For me, this case screamed out NCRMD determination right from the beginning because it’s the only thing that made sense. It fit the facts,” said Taylor.

Allick says Baker might best be treated in a psychiatric hospital.

“My biggest thing is I want him to get help. Get off the drugs because, to be honest with what was heard in the courtroom, if he didn’t do those drugs that day, she would’ve still been alive,” said Allick.

The judge has reserved his decision until Jan. 10.

Editorial Policies Report an Error