Psychiatrist had concerns during fitness test for Calgary man accused of killing stranger

Court has heard that a psychiatrist who deemed a Calgary man fit to stand trial for a fatal attack on a woman had concerns the accused suffered from an underlying psychotic illness.

Michael Adenyi is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 30-year-old fitness instructor Vanessa Ladouceur in the city's downtown in March 2022.

The 29-year-old has testified he believed he was attacking a creature when he assaulted the woman and his lawyers are arguing he is not criminally responsible by reason of a medical disorder.

Dr. David Tano assessed Adenyi in April 2022 and deemed him fit to stand trial. But he told court he had some concerns that the accused was having auditory and visual hallucinations, which would have indicated an underlying psychotic illness.

Tano says the accused tried to downplay his hallucinations and also expressed fears about being kidnapped.

Tano says he did suggest that a further fitness assessment might be necessary down the road.