Calgary renter accused of killing landlord sent for psychiatric assessment

A Calgary man accused of murdering his landlord has been sent for a psychiatric assessment that will help determine if he was criminally responsible at the time of the killing.

Ryan Kinoshita, 29, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Joel Aaron Clark, who was killed in his McKenzie Towne home in April.

On Monday, Kinoshita appeared in court. His lawyer, Allan Fay, requested a 30-day forensic examination to see if he meets the criteria for a not criminally responsible (NCR) defence.

"I have a significant concern regarding Mr. Kinoshita's mental state at the time of the homicide," said Fay.

"[Kinoshita] seems to have a history of mental illness going back some time."

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Prosecutor Scott Wilson told Justice Catherine Skene that he was not againstthe assessment.

"Based on what I've viewed in the disclosure, I'm not opposed," said Wilson.

A psychiatrist will now prepare an assessment to determine if Kinoshitawassuffering psychosis at the time 46-year-old Clark was killed. Ifthe doctor believeshe was, it would mean Kinoshitadid not understand his actions were morally wrong.

If a judge then agrees with the doctor,Kinoshitacould be sent to a secure mental health facility instead of prison.

Assault reported

On April 8, police were called to a home in the 300 block of Prestwick Terrace S.E. at about 8:25 a.m. for reports of an assault

When they arrived, Clarkwas found dead.

Kinoshita was arrested about 45 minutes later at a nearby shopping plaza.

According to police, there were others in the home at the time of the incident who called 911.