Suspect in Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy appears in court to determine whether he's mentally fit to stand trial

The suspect in an alleged car-ramming attack at a Vancouver street festival in April appeared in court Wednesday to determine whether he's mentally fit to stand trial. 

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, is accused of driving an SUV through a crowd of people at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival on April 26. Eleven people were killed and many more injured. 

Lo is facing 11 charges of second-degree murder.

The incident prompted the B.C. government to commission a report that made sweeping recommendations for event safety in B.C., as well as an outpouring of support for the Filipino diaspora.

On Wednesday, Lo appeared in court to determine whether he was fit to stand trial. 

The accused sat in the prisoner's box wearing a black long-sleeved sweatshirt and black pants. His hair was dishevelled as he sat with his hands clasped in his lap.

The hearing began with Crown prosecutor Michaela Donnelly informing the court that a Supreme Court of Canada decision expected on Friday could change the legal standard used to determine whether an accused is fit to stand trial, which could have consequences for Lo's fitness trial.

Despite this, the court decided to proceed, as witnesses are already lined up.

The fitness trial will happen in two stages: facts and evidence this week, and argument on the law at a later date. 

Publication ban

Many of the details surrounding Lo's Wednesday court appearance are subject to a court-ordered publication ban. The ban covers evidence and exhibits related to Wednesday's hearing. 

But a media consortium, a group of news outlets working together, is challenging the ban. 

Daniel Coles, the lawyer representing the consortium, which includes CBC News, said the media — and in turn the public — deserve to know the evidence for why Lo is or is not fit to stand trial.

"If a judge determines that the accused is not fit to stand trial, people need to understand why. That's a pretty big decision," he said from the Vancouver Law Courts Wednesday morning. "And conversely, if the judge decides he can stand trial notwithstanding perhaps evidence of diseases of the mind  ...  the public needs to be satisfied that that's also fair."

Coles said he believes the judge recognizes the public interest in the case.

"I'm optimistic that there can be an outcome favourable to Canadians, British Columbians, victims, members of the impacted communities that will allow access and publication," he said. 

Crystal Laderas, public relations manager for Filipino B.C., said community members want answers. 

"There's still a lot of grief, anger and confusion as to what happened that day," she said while speaking to media outside the Law Courts.  

"Obviously, there's a lot of public interest in this case. I believe the community is looking for answers and at least to be able to follow these proceedings closely, but we do want to respect that the court process and this hearing is important as well."