The killer of Indian student Kartik Vasudev was convicted in Canada.
Richard Edwin, a Toronto man, was found guilty of first-degree murder of two men in 2022. One of them was 21-year-old Indian student Kartik Vasudev. The other was 35-year-old Elijah Eleazar Mahibat.
There was no connection between the three and the two killings occurred two days apart. Both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds. Edwin was arrested in 2022 and charged but did not plead guilty on the grounds of his mental disorder.Edwin has been diagnosed with schizophrenia since 2010, according to court records.But Judge Jane Kelly said mental disorder did not render Edwin incapable of knowing that what he was doing was morally wrong.
Judge Jane Kelly said: “I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the murders of Mr Vasudev and Mir Mahipath were planned and deliberate.”Edwin was aware of the nature of his work as he had done many internet searches regarding violence, how to win a gun fight, and on body parts exposed to bullets.The judge’s decision stated that “his behavior appeared rational, methodical and orderly.”“Justice has finally been served, although the heart is still heavy.
Four years after the tragic loss of Karthik, a Canadian court found his killer guilty of first-degree murder. While no judgment can fill the void, this is a huge step for our family. Rest in peace little brother,” Gaurav Vasdev, Kartik’s cousin, posted after the killer was convicted.Kartik was studying a marketing management course at Seneca College in Toronto in January 2022. He was on his way to a part-time job he started when he was killed.A conviction for first-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years, to be served concurrently in the case of multiple convictions.
