Defence to begin closing arguments in Toronto’s van attack trial
Posted December 17, 2020 6:20 am.
Last Updated December 17, 2020 6:23 am.
The defence is set to give its closing arguments today at the trial for the man who killed 10 people in Toronto’s van attack.
Alek Minassian has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted murder.
The defence argues Minassian is not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to autism spectrum disorder.
RELATED: Prosecution rests case against Toronto’s van attack killer; trial nears end
The prosecution argues the 28-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., knew what he was doing was wrong.
Minassian has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack.
The only issue at trial is his state of mind at the time of the killings.
At the judge-only trial, Justice Anne Molloy heard testimony nearly exclusively from forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. The experts had interviewed Minassian and administered tests to understand his state of mind.
