Alex Minassian’s Father to Testify in Toronto Van Attack Trial

Police are seen near a damaged van in Toronto after a van mounted a sidewalk crashing into a number of pedestrians on April 23, 2018. Ceremonies and vigils are planned April 23, 2019 to honour those killed or injured in last year's deadly van attack in north Toronto. (The Canadian Press/Aaron Vincent Elkaim)

TORONTO—The father of a man who is on trial for killing 10 and hurting 16 more in Toronto’s van attack is set to testify today.

Alek Minassian’s lawyers will begin mounting their defence as they argue their client should not be held criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to a mental disorder.

The case will turn solely on Minassian’s state of mind at the time of the attack and arguments in court suggest his lawyers will use autism as part of the defence.

Court heard last week a psychiatrist hired by the defence found Minassian had an “autistic way of thinking” that was similar to psychosis.

Former classmates have told The Canadian Press Minassian lives with autism spectrum disorder.

He has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder, but has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack.

Vahe Minassian is expected to testify about his son’s life and his state of mind.