Alberta judge orders additional psychiatric exam for doctor slaying suspect

RED DEER, Alta. — A judge has ordered another psychiatric exam for a man accused of killing a family doctor at a medical clinic in central Alberta.

Deng Mabiour is charged with first-degree murder in last month’s slaying of Dr. Walter Reynolds at the Village Mall Walk-In Clinic in Red Deer.

Provincial court Judge Bert Skinner asked Mabiour a number of times on Monday if he had obtained a lawyer. The judge also noted that the accused has not been co-operating with staff at the Calgary psychiatric centre.

“You’re not answering my question. And it appears the psychiatric assessment is having similar problems with you while you’re on the unit while they’re addressing the court’s application to see if you’re fit to stand trial,” the judge said to Mabiour.

“As a result of that, the psychiatric division is asking for an additional 30 days to finish your assessment, sir.”

Mabiour, 54, appeared via video from Calgary, wearing a blue jail jumpsuit and sitting on the floor with his back against a wall.

He said he’s concern about being forced to have a psychiatric assessment.

“I do not want to discuss this. First of all, I want to discuss the concept of my handlers considering I’m crazy and needing treatment,” Mabiour said, while constantly interrupting the judge.

Skinner suggested Mabiour contact legal aid and get a lawyer as soon as possible.

“No, no, no. I will represent myself. Why think legal aid will represent me? I’m good enough to talk in court but the Canada court is locking people away. That is why I am not allowed to talk,” Mabiour said.

“I do not want to be represented by a stupid legal-aid lawyer.”

Mabiour also talked about the water quality at the psychiatric facility and that it was “pathetic” he was having to stay there longer.

“That is a good idea? I don’t want the water. It has COVID.”

Mabiour went on several tirades against Skinner during a court appearance last week. Mabiour, who an acquaintance has said is from South Sudan, told the judge that he’s worried about the justice system in Canada.

He also demanded to know why the judge wouldn’t ask him why he had killed his family doctor.

Reynolds, a 45-year-old father of two, was attacked with a weapon while working at a clinic on Aug. 10. He died later in hospital.

One witness told media that she was in the waiting room when she heard cries for help and that a man in the clinic had a hammer and a machete.

RCMP have said the crime was not random and the two men knew each other through the clinic, although they have not said if Mabiour was a patient of Reynolds.

Mabiour is also charged with assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

The case is to return to court Oct. 14.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 14, 2020.

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Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press