Alex Conte, accused of killing his mother, 58-year-old Sarah Nickerson, last January, may be deemed criminally irresponsible for her death.
Conte, 21, is on trial for second degree murder at BC Supreme Court in Victoria. Two psychiatrists treating Conte believe he was suffering from psychosis and had, at the time of the killing not been taking his prescribed anti-psychotic drugs.
It is reported the psychiatrists testified that Conte believed his mother's body had been taken over by an 'evil being' and had to be destroyed. They believe he did not know he was killing his mother.
Dr. Eugene Wang testified that Conte was not criminally responsible for Nickerson's death due to a mental disorder. A decision from the judge is expected to be handed down today.
Alex Conte attended Edward Milne community school and was a well-known skateboarder.