Judge rules Seeley’s Bay murder suspect not criminally responsible

Accused was in a psychotic episode driven by command hallucinations

A judge has ruled that Jay Slade, accused of a grisly 2021 murder in Seeley’s Bay, is not criminally responsible due to schizophrenia-induced delusions.

Slade killed Colin Gill, 44, his sister’s common-law partner, on June 1, 2021, in a psychotic episode driven by command hallucinations. The court heard Slade believed he was acting on divine orders to prevent “World War Three.”

Superior Court Justice John Johnston noted the brutal treatment of Gill’s body supported the claim of a psychotic delusion. Slade’s schizophrenia, worsened by cannabis use, rendered him unable to distinguish moral right from wrong during the crime.

Slade, now in custody, awaits a hearing by the Ontario Review Board to determine next steps. The judge emphasized Slade’s ongoing risk to the public due to his mental illness and past cannabis use.

Slade has already served time for related police chase charges. The review board hearing must occur within 45 days.