Refugee who stabbed stranger could soon be freed from Ontario hospital despite ‘significant threat to the public’

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“In 2015 he overdosed on methamphetamine. In 2017, he attempted suicide by walking in front of a streetcar.”

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Apple was transferred in August 2024 from Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to the secure Forensic Rehabilitation Unit at Ontario Shores.

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One day after he was “granted indirectly supervised privileges” on Feb. 6, 2025, Apple “eloped” and made his way to New Jersey, said the decision. “He was escorted back to Ontario Shores on February 19, 2025. Upon his return to hospital his off-unit privileges were suspended, but eventually reinstated.”

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In May 2025, the ORB said, Apple was still exhibiting “symptoms of his illness including auditory hallucinations” and he “used methamphetamine daily while AWOL from hospital. He experienced an exacerbation of his symptoms, including paranoia, delusions that others were trying to read his mind.”

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Last year, the ORB had “serious concerns regarding his medication compliance, limited insight, and elopement risk,” said the decision, which noted Apple was “not suitable for community living” at the time.

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While his 2026 hospital report acknowledged those concerns, it recommended continued detention for Apple “with privileges, including community living,” said the decision.

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Apple’s risk of violence “has been effectively managed during the last reporting period on a secure forensic unit. In the last year, he has demonstrated consistent engagement in treatment,” it said.

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There haven’t been any “recent concerns regarding acute psychotic decompensation, nor evidence of manic or hypomanic episodes,” said the decision. “He continues to report baseline auditory hallucinations, which he describes as non-distressing and comforting. These symptoms have remained stable and are not associated with behavioural disturbance or increased risk. There have been no major incidents, including no episodes of physical aggression, behavioural dysregulation, or attempts to elope. This represents a marked improvement compared to historical presentation.”

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Apple’s “continued adherence to pharmacological treatment and sustained abstinence from substances have been central to his clinical stability,” said the decision. “His ongoing engagement in treatment and acceptance of clinical recommendations are positive factors with respect to risk management.”

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His psychiatrist testified that Apple’s treatment team has seen “significant improvements” over the last year.

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“Thus, the hospital is ‘asking for community living moving forward,’” said the decision.

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A “gradual transition to a less secure environment” in a general forensic unit “is clinically appropriate at this time,” said the decision, which notes Apple has been put on a waiting list for just that.

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“It is anticipated that he will remain compliant with psychotropic medications after such transfer. His exposure to illicit substances and opportunities to elope will be increased, but the treatment team is optimistic, based on his behaviour during the past reporting period, that he will be able to navigate these challenges successfully.”

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The ORB ordered Apple be detained at Ontario Shores, “with privileges up to and including community living.”

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He now has grounds privileges but must be accompanied by staff or indirectly supervised.

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Apple will be allowed 12-hour passes to travel as much as 150 kilometres from Ontario Shores with an escort.
He could also “live in the community in supervised accommodation approved by the person in charge” of the hospital, said the decision.

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