Legal arguments heard in fitness hearing for Vancouver festival attack suspect

By Canadian Press on August 22, 2025.

VANCOUVER — The defence lawyer for the man accused of killing 11 people at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival earlier this year has concluded legal arguments about whether his client is fit to stand trial.

Adam Kai-Ji Lo faces 11 counts of second-degree murder and is accused of driving an SUV through a crowded street.

Lo, 30, appeared by video in provincial court in Vancouver wearing a dark blue sweatsuit.

The legal arguments from defence lawyer Mark Swartz and Crown prosecutor Michaela Donnelly come after two forensic psychiatrists were called as expert witnesses in the fitness hearing.

Dr. Robert Lacroix and Dr. Rakesh Lamba testified over two days last month, but a publication ban prevents evidence at the hearing from being reported.

A media consortium that includes The Canadian Press is challenging the publication ban, with a ruling on that application to be scheduled for a later date.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 22, 2025.

Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press

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