Crown Rests Second-Degree Murder Charge against 95-year-old Veteran

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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In a recently made statement, the Crown has announced to give up its second-degree murder charge against the 95-year-old decorated Second World War veteran, John Furman, who was accused of killing his 85-year-old roommate at a Vernon, B.C., care facility. According to the prosecutors, Mr. Furman is found not fit to stand trial in the Aug. 18 killing of William May due to advanced dementia.

In a statement issued by the B.C. Criminal Justice Branch about Mr. Furman’s condition on Wednesday, referring to the court hearing held on the matter in Vernon, it was mentioned “he remains confused and disoriented as to both his current circumstances and the circumstances of the incident in question. According to the evidence, his condition is unlikely to improve.” It was added that Mr. Furman is receiving treatment at a medical facility, where adequate arrangements have been to ensure that he does not puts other patients at risk. The Crown stated that “the Branch has concluded that the public interest no longer requires his prosecution in the death of William May,” adding that “in reaching this decision, the Criminal Justice Branch fully appreciates the seriousness of the alleged offence as well as the tragic loss experienced by the family of William May.”

The RCMP was called on to a residential-care facility via a 911 call on Aug. 18, which reported that Mr. Furman is assaulting Mr. May, leading to a second-degree murder charge. Having no history of aggressive behavior, Mr. Furman was admitted to the care facility 10 days before the incident.