Guy Turcotte's psychiatric hearing

In a rare move, 5 professionals instead of the usual 3 will  determine Guy Turcotte’s fate at his psychiatric hearing August 12. The hearing will decide whether the 39-year-old cardiologist who was accused of stabbing his two children to death last February may be released from hospital.

 

Turcotte was moved from prison to a psychiatric hospital after a jury ruled he was not criminally responsible for his children’s deaths. However, two-thirds of respondents in one public opinion poll disagreed with the jury’s verdict. 

 

The inflated hearing panel is a result of widespread public interest in the case. Members of the panel have not yet been selected, but will include two lawyers, two psychiatrists, and one social worker.

 

Turcotte’s psychiatric hearing will likely be open to the public.