Jermaine Wood (photo from original Peel Police press release).<\/p>\n
A man who killed his Brampton neighbour in a machete attack nearly 11 years ago is being allowed to live more independently in the community, despite continuing concerns about his mental health and the risk he could pose to others.<\/p>\n
Jermaine Wood, 40, has been approved to leave a highly supervised rehabilitation program in North York and move into independent housing supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association.<\/p>\n
Wood was found not criminally responsible (NCR) for first-degree murder in January 2019 in the death of his upstairs neighbour, 61-year-old Robert McCollum.<\/p>\n
The Ontario Review Board has now reduced some of the restrictions imposed on Wood, including cutting his required check-ins with his treatment team to once every two weeks.<\/p>\n
The change means forensic staff will no longer be stationed at his residence, although support staff will remain connected to his housing.<\/p>\n
It is a significant increase in Wood\u2019s freedom, but it is not an unconditional release.<\/p>\n
He remains under a detention order and the board rejected a request for a conditional discharge. He also cannot travel internationally without an approved companion. It\u2019s not known where he will live.<\/p>\n
The case dates back to June 30, 2015, when McCollum, 61, was returning to his apartment with groceries.<\/p>\n
As he climbed the stairs toward his third-floor home, Wood attacked him from behind with a machete. McCollum suffered fatal injuries.<\/p>\n
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Wood fled the scene and was arrested later that day following a police search.<\/p>\n
The case eventually went before the Ontario Review Board after Wood was found not criminally responsible for first-degree murder.<\/p>\n
An NCR finding means a person was found to have committed the act but, because of a mental disorder, was not criminally responsible for the criminal offence. Rather than receiving a conventional criminal sentence, the person comes under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board, which determines the appropriate level of treatment, supervision and restrictions.<\/p>\n
Wood\u2019s mental-health history was central to the original case and remains a factor in the board\u2019s decisions.<\/p>\n
According to the latest decision, Wood had stopped taking his medication before McCollum\u2019s killing and had developed delusions involving his neighbour. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20s.<\/p>\n
The board continues to have concerns about what could happen if Wood\u2019s condition deteriorates or he stops taking his medication.<\/p>\n
His treatment team also raised concerns about his ability to independently deal with unexpected situations. Wood continues to receive assistance with some everyday matters, including navigating public transit.<\/p>\n
The board nevertheless determined that he could move to a less restrictive living arrangement.<\/p>\n
Travel restrictions were also eased somewhat. Wood can now take approved international trips lasting up to 21 days, compared with the previous 14-day limit, but he must still be accompanied.<\/p>\n
The board rejected a request that he be allowed to travel internationally alone.<\/p>\n
The decision means Wood will have considerably more independence than he has had in recent years, while remaining subject to conditions intended to manage the risks identified by the board.<\/p>\n
Wood\u2019s circumstances will continue to be reviewed as he lives under the board\u2019s supervision in the community.<\/p>\n