Suspect accused of killing girl at B.C. high school is unfit for trial: lawyer

A courtroom in New Westminster, B.C., heard arguments Thursday about whether a man accused of stabbing two girls at an Abbotsfordhigh school in 2016 is fit to stand trial.

Gabriel Klein'songoing psychosis makes him unfit to stand trial for the murder of a high school girl in Abbotsford, B.C., according to his lawyer.

Martin Peters said Kleincan't meaningfully participate in a trial because he has reported hearing voices, and has difficulty communicating because of his disordered thinking.

The lawyer saidthe stress of a trial could cause his mental state to deteriorate further.

Kleinis accused of the second-degree murder of 13-year-old Letisha Reimer and the aggravated assault of a second Grade 9 student. Bothwere attacked in the lobby of Abbotsford Senior Secondary in November 2016.

Peters saysKleinshould be remanded back to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, where he has been treated four times since he was arrested.

On Wednesday, apsychiatrist who has been treatingKleintold the court that the man has schizophrenia and is psychotic.

Klein's trial is set to begin May 7, but a judge first has to decide if he's mentally fit.