A Chilliwack man who stabbed his wife to death in 2024 was deemed not criminally responsible for her death due to a mental disorder.

Joseph Berkiw, 70, was under "delusional" beliefs and feelings of persecution that led to a fatal knife attack on his wife, who cannot be named, according to the Aug. 5 ruling by B.C. Supreme Court. Justice Richard Fowler.

In the years leading up to the Jan. 17 incident in 2024, Berkiw worked full-time as a machinist, where he worked 12-hour shifts, three days a week, and frequently worked overtime.

In December of 2023, Joseph became increasingly concerned over finances, and kicked off a series of strange incidents, paranoia and mental health crises.

On the day of the attack, he was acting out of character, according to the court documents.

At about 1 p.

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