Dear Readers,
The death of Tim McLean in August 2008 horrified people around the world. Vince Li, the person responsible for Tim’s death, was found Not Criminally Responsible.

From what I have seen of Tim’s mom, Carol de Delley, she is amazing. She has kind, dark brown eyes and a maternal warmth that makes her the type of woman you want to hug when you see her. She was composed, strong and articulate during an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press (click here for the video clip). Her strength amazes me. Seeing her speak about Tim and the events of his death made me want to reach out to this mom even more.

Carol sent me this speech that she gave during a vigil for Tim. These are her thoughts in her words.

She is currently trying to change the NCR law. Let's help make it happen.

Tamara

By Carol deDelley

In the beginning whenever I saw a greyhound bus I felt physically ill. Now every time I see a Greyhound bus, I wave and say, “Hi Tim,” because I have had to train my mind to think of it as a way of Timothy letting me know that he is okay now.

Whenever we have a moment of happiness or joy, whether it’s a funny joke or TV program, we smile laugh or giggle then feelings of guilt immediately follow because what is there to smile about? We know that life has to go on but it is very difficult.

Treatment or Punishment ?

Why not both? In a violent crime such as this one, the question here in Canada becomes: Treatment or Punishment?

I believe that treatment and punishment should go hand in hand. I do not believe that treatment will “heal” Mr. Li, and I do not believe that Mr. Li should ever, and I repeat ever, be permitted to walk amongst us as a free man, ever again. It could be your child, your loved one or you yourself that he loses it on next time. What possible assurance could we ever have that he wouldn’t repeat this unbelievably violent behaviour.

Is it possible that this is a result of cutbacks to funding for mental health issues? I don’t know. Let’s not forget, however, that Mr. Li DID commit this horrific murder, beheading and cannibalization UNPROVOKED. And yes I believe he needs to be held RESPONSIBLE for that.

Fit to stand trial. Fit for punishment.

Treatment in a locked facility for the rest of his life, period. No parole, no good behavior, nothing. He took an innocent life, was completely unprovoked and we need to send a message that this is not OK and will NOT be tolerated.

My son Timothy lost his life and our lives will never be the same without him being a part of it. The horror that took place on that bus has created so much fear…the randomness of it…The fear of all the other passengers who actually witnessed it, the visions that are forever burned in their memories and will haunt them always.

The children that were there that night, I can’t even imagine the nightmares they all must be having, they are forever damaged, their innocence gone. They are all Mr. Li’s living victims and he must be held accountable for that as well. I want it to be very clear that under our current laws it is possible that Mr. Li could be released some day.

Most people believe that he will be locked up and the key thrown away. NOT TRUE!!! In fact if he is found not criminally responsible, my family will have to attend a yearly review of Mr Li’s mental condition.

How is that justice?

That is unbelievable and unacceptable! Would you want this person medically treated or not who has demonstrated this level of violence towards another human being, settling down in your neighborhood, ever, at any time in the future? I know I don’t.

Under our current Judicial system Mr. Li will likely continue to receive medical treatment and he will be studied. I believe that if he is able to remain aware of exactly what he did to another human being ( My son) than so be it.

He needs to be in a locked facility where he can think about it everyday for the rest of his life. THAT IS HIS PUNISHMENT!!! He still has a life and his victim does not. I believe this is a “NO BRAINER!”

Locked up for Life

Timothy’s 23rd birthday would have been Oct 3, 2008. We had his favorite foods for dinner and a cake with good friends, but Timothy wasn’t there and he never will be again. Myself and my family are seeking JUSTICE for Timothy. MERCY for ourselves. We should not have to go through Mr. Li’s review process each year instead of a birthday party. And SAFETY for all of us.

Most of all we are gathering here tonight to raise awareness that this is what this family now faces and what other parents could be facing in the future if these laws are not changed. Please help me to be the voice that says “NOT GOOD ENOUGH, NOT ACCEPTABLE and definitely NOT JUSTICE!!!!!”

A change needs to come from this tragedy, a change for improvements to many of our current systems because they failed Timothy and they are failing
all of us. I believe we are all fed up with violent criminals continuing to get away with or getting lenient sentences for outrageous and violent crimes against others. There have been too many cases of violent criminals being incarcerated, treated and released, only to re-offend.

Enough is Enough

I am inspired and strengthened by all the support and prayers from everyone here, across the country and across the world. My sons horrific murder happened so that everyone would be paying attention. Could this be the start of the greater good that’s supposed to come from something this devastating?? M