Schizophrenic Woman Who Fatally Stabbed Newlywed Bride in Drug Store Will Walk Free 10 Years Later

A Canadian woman who fatally stabbed a newlywed in a Toronto drug store nearly a decade ago is set to be released from her previous mental health commitments after being granted an absolute discharge. Rohinie Bisesar, now 51, was previously found not criminally responsible for the death of Rosemarie Junor, owing to her suffering from untreated schizophrenia.

The tragic incident occurred in December 2015 while Junor, who was just 28 years old, was browsing nail polish in a Shoppers Drug Mart. In an apparently unprovoked attack, Bisesar stabbed Junor in the upper chest, penetrating her heart. Eyewitness accounts reveal that after the attack, Junor managed to plead for help before collapsing in the store. Despite being rushed to hospital for trauma surgery, she was declared brain dead shortly thereafter and subsequently taken off life support.

Following the attack, Bisesar was identified through security footage, which showed her placing the knife in a makeup display case just before she fled the scene. She was apprehended four days later by the Toronto Police.

In a landmark trial held in November 2018, Justice John McMahon concluded that Bisesar was not criminally responsible for her actions due to her mental health condition. He stated that she was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attack, rendering her incapable of understanding that her actions were legally and morally wrong. During the brief trial, Bisesar articulated a belief that she was being controlled by an external “entity,” which further highlighted her mental state.

After her court appearance, Bisesar was detained in a mental health facility until late 2021, after which she transitioned to an outpatient programme. During this period, she made significant progress in her recovery.

Fast forward to June 3, the Ontario Review Board announced that Bisesar would be granted an absolute discharge, citing that she no longer poses a significant danger to public safety. In their decision, the board emphasised the permanent nature of the tragedy while also commending Bisesar for her commitment to her mental health recovery. “While the tragedy cannot be undone and will always be on our minds, Ms. Bisesar no longer is a significant threat to the safety of the public,” they noted.

The Review Board added that Bisesar’s treatment regimen, which includes two antipsychotic medications — one taken orally and another administered via monthly injection — has led to a notable absence of psychotic symptoms over the past few years. “Thankfully, Ms. Bisesar was a patient who did respond to treatment,” they remarked, recognising the collaborative efforts of Bisesar’s psychiatrist and the forensic team in aiding her recovery.

The board concluded their statement by reflecting on Bisesar’s impressive commitment to her health and the significant strides she has made throughout her treatment. They extended their best wishes for her future, acknowledging the challenges she has faced.

As Bisesar prepares to begin this new chapter of her life, the memory of the horrifying incident that claimed Junor’s life lingers in the minds of the community. This case underscores the complex interplay between mental health and the criminal justice system, challenging societal perceptions of accountability and compassion for those with severe mental illnesses. As Bisesar navigates her newfound freedom, both she and the community must confront the lasting impact of her actions from nearly ten years ago.