CALGARY, Canada — A jury has convicted a 29-year-old man of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of a fitness instructor on a downtown street three years ago.
Michael Adenyi was found guilty in the death of Vanessa Ladouceur, who was reportedly attacked while walking on the street in 2022. During the trial, Adenyi claimed he was hallucinating and believed he was assaulting a creature rather than a person. His defense argued that he was not criminally responsible for his actions due to a mental disorder.
In his testimony, Adenyi described experiencing vivid hallucinations, stating that he saw creatures resembling distorted lions, tigers, and bears. He indicated feelings of desperation, asserting that he felt compelled to defend himself against these imaginary threats. Additionally, he revealed peculiar habits, such as taking lengthy showers to silence the voices in his head, conversing with his shoelaces, and wearing his clothing backwards.
Medical professionals diagnosed Adenyi with schizophrenia, and he had been prescribed antipsychotic medication. His defense claimed he had no recollection of the events leading to Ladouceur’s death.
Prosecutors, however, urged the jury to scrutinize Adenyi’s assertions that he should be deemed not criminally responsible, suggesting that he had misled law enforcement and mental health staff to evade accountability for his crime. The prosecution maintained that there was clear evidence of his responsibility in the case.
During the trial, testimony revealed that Adenyi followed Ladouceur for nearly two blocks. Once he caught up to her, he forcefully pushed her into an alcove before stabbing her multiple times, resulting in significant facial injuries. Ladouceur ultimately died from excessive blood loss.
After deliberating for approximately 12 hours, the jury rejected the defense’s arguments and found Adenyi guilty of first-degree murder. Upon the announcement of the verdict, the courtroom fell silent, and Ladouceur’s mother was seen weeping softly.
A sentencing date is scheduled for May 9. Under Canadian law, a first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence, with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.
During the proceedings, Justice Jane Sidnell informed the jury that they needed to first consider the options for the not criminally responsible defense before exploring lesser charges, including manslaughter or second-degree murder.
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