Suspect in bus beheading due back in court Tuesday
Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Monday, August 04, 2008WINNIPEG - Vince Li, the Edmonton man accused of fatally stabbing and beheading a young man aboard a Greyhound bus last week, is scheduled to make a second court appearance Tuesday.
A judge is expected to rule on the Crown's request to order Li to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
During his first court appearance Friday, the judge indicated he wasn't prepared to order the evaluation until Li had an opportunity to consult a lawyer.
Li, 40, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Winnipeg resident Tim McLean.
McLean was travelling by bus from Edmonton to Winnipeg last Wednesday when witnesses say a fellow passenger began stabbing him with a large hunting knife in an apparently unprovoked attack. The attacker then allegedly beheaded McLean as the other passengers looked on in horror.
Li was arrested Wednesday at the scene. The RCMP said a preliminary investigation has shown Li does not have a prior criminal record.
Li remained silent during his court appearance Friday in Portage la Prairie, Man., and did not make eye contact with anyone. He was ordered to remain in custody until his next court date.
On Sunday, sources said that Li was on suicide watch at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. Li had still not spoken a word, and had not seen a doctor.
Sources said Li is to be watched by a minimum of five correctional officers if he needs to be transported from his cell. They said his handcuffs and shackles must be thoroughly checked by authorities because it's believed he's a flight risk.
Meanwhile, hundreds of friends and family members of McLean gathered Sunday night in front of the Manitoba Legislature for a candlelight vigil.
One of McLean's sisters briefly addressed the crowd, saying it helped to have so many people around.
In a statement Saturday, McLean's family described him as a free spirit with a big heart and a love for traveling.
Portage la Prairie is about 85 kilometres west of Winnipeg.
With files from Canwest News Service
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