A judge has confirmed a ruling that restricts the media from disclosing the evidence presented during a mental fitness hearing for the suspect involved in the tragic Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival assault.
Judge Reginald P. Harris determined at the provincial court in Vancouver that Adam Kai-Ji Lo is mentally capable of standing trial for 11 counts of second-degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder stemming from the SUV rampage that occurred on April 26, where numerous individuals were affected.
Despite earlier concerns, Harris has now upheld the decision to keep the details of the mental fitness assessment, which included input from two forensic psychiatrists in July, confidential until the conclusion of Lo’s trial.
During the hearing, arguments were put forth by defense attorney Mark Swartz and Crown prosecutor Michaela Donnelly.
A media group, which includes The Canadian Press, contested the publication ban, but Harris dismissed their plea.
Lo was present via video link during the recent ruling, dressed in a black sweatshirt.