John Furman, 95, accused of killing roommate, has charge stayed

A 95-year-old Vernon man accused of killing his care home roommate no longer faces a second-degree murder charge, after a ruling that his dementia made him unfit to stand trial.

• 95-year-old arrested in care home homicide
• Murder suspect, 95, to undergo psychiatric evaluation

In August, police alleged JohnFurmanattacked William May, 85, at Interior Health's Polson Special Care Facilitya secure facility providing care for people who have dementia complicated by psychiatric and behavioural issues.

On Wednesday the Crown foundFurman was in a delusional state at the time of the assault, arising from his advanced dementia, and as such, concluded the publicinterest no longer requiredhis prosecution.

Ina press release, Neil MacKenzie, who is with the B.C.Criminal Justice Branch,said Furmanremains confused and disoriented as to both his current circumstances and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Theevidence indicated that Mr. Furman caused the death of Mr. May," said MacKenzie.

"However, it was clearfrom the outset that Mr. Furman's mental state at the time of the alleged offence would
be a significant issue at any trial."

The death sparked criticismof how seniors with dementia are cared for in B.C. and prompted calls for theprovince to do a better job of protecting seniors with dementia from violence at the hands of other patients.

• 'Oh not again' says Kamloops widow after care home homicide

MacKenzie saidFurmansphysical health isfrail and he willremain in a medical facility with measures available to address any risk that he mightpresent to other patients, to staff or to himself.

Read the media statement about the ruling online