A woman from Ladner, British Columbia, who admitted to killing her mother more than two years ago has been found not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder.

During a court appearance on Wednesday, Preety Panesar pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of her mother, Sarbjit Panesar. However, the court determined that she was not criminally responsible due to her mental state at the time of the offence.

Sarbjit Panesar died in December 2023 after suffering blunt force trauma. The incident occurred in the Ladner home where she lived with her daughter. Preety Panesar was 28 years old when the killing took place.

According to Global News, the court heard that both mother and daughter were living with schizophrenia, although Preety had not been formally diagnosed at the time. Evidence presented showed that she was experiencing delusions and believed her mother intended to harm her.

Since her arrest in December 2023, Preety Panesar has been receiving treatment at a forensic psychiatric hospital. Defence counsel told the court that she has been making progress during her time in care.

The case highlights the complex intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system, as well as the lasting impact such tragedies have on families.