An Ontario woman who was found not criminally responsible for stabbing her infant son to death in August 2020 has been granted an absolute discharge, the Ontario Review Board ruled earlier this month.
Background of the Case
Rebecca Dieter, who now goes by Rebecca Daly, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and cannabis use disorder in sustained remission. She was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on April 1, 2021, for second-degree murder. The incident occurred on August 9, 2020, when Daly, during a major psychotic episode, stabbed her eight-month-old son multiple times, causing his death. Police discovered the infant deceased during a well-being check at her Kitchener apartment.
The Review Board's Decision
The Ontario Review Board, in a decision dated April 14, stated: "Upon consideration of all of the evidence, the board is unable to conclude that Ms. Daly continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public. Accordingly, the board orders that she be absolutely discharged." The board emphasized that the threshold for a significant threat is high, requiring a foreseeable and substantial risk of harm. At the time of the offense, Daly was described as "highly psychotic, experiencing command auditory hallucinations commanding her to sacrifice her child."
History of Mental Health Struggles
Daly has a long history of mental health challenges, with hospitalizations dating back to at least February 2012. At age 18, she was admitted to Grand River Hospital on the advice of her pastor. In September 2014, police brought her to the same hospital again, where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychosis. Later, in January 2018, she was taken to North York General Hospital by her boyfriend and roommate, presenting with psychotic symptoms including grandiose, persecutory, and religious ideas, and excessive cannabis use.
Recent Conditions and Progress
Daly received a conditional discharge in March 2025, which required her to report to a hospital at least twice monthly, provide random urine samples, and submit to breath tests. According to the decision, she has not used cannabis in the past year and has been abstinent from alcohol since July 2025. Her hospital report noted that her psychiatric difficulties became more overt in her late teens, with episodes often linked to substance use or medication nonadherence. Daly now lives in Kitchener with her mother.
The board's decision marks the conclusion of a case that drew attention to the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system. The independent tribunal regularly reviews the status of individuals found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder, ensuring that public safety remains paramount.
