Vincent Li: The Making of a Greyhound Bus Tragedy (Part 1 of a 2-Part Series)

We begin our Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) month with a 2-part episode covering one of Canada's most infamous cases: Vincent Li, the man responsible for the shocking killing of Tim McLean aboard a Greyhound bus in 2008.In Part 1, after a quick but horrifying look at the crime itself, we rewind to Vincent Li's early life, immigration to Canada, struggles with employment, and the gradual decline of his mental health. We explore the warning signs, the events leading up to that night, and the devastating impact untreated psychosis can have.⚠️ Content WarningThis episode contains discussion of graphic violence, homicide, mental illness, psychosis, and disturbing crime scene details. Listener discretion is strongly advised.🔎 What We CoverVincent Li's early life in ChinaImmigration to CanadaLi's gradual mental health declineThe diagnostic criteria and features listed for Schizophrenia and Schizo-Affective Disorders💬 Join the ConversationDo you think that Li's cultural upbringing had an affect on how late his Schizophrenia was diagnosed?Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know your perspective while remembering to keep the discussion respectful for everyone affected by this case.📚 SourcesAssociated Press. (2017, February 10). Mentally ill man who beheaded bus passenger is freed from all supervision. The Guardian.Brink, J. (2014, March 26). Submission to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Re: Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder). Canadian Psychiatric Association.British Columbia Review Board. (n.d.). British Columbia Review Board rules and procedures governing the Review Board process.Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46.Lacroix, R., O’Shaughnessy, R., McNiel, D. E., & Binder, R. L. (2017). Controversies concerning the Canadian Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 45(1), 44-51.Latimer, J., & Lawrence, A. (2006, January). The Review Board systems in Canada: An overview of results from the Mentally Disordered Accused Data Collection Study. Research and Statistics Division, Department of Justice Canada.Manitoba Review Board. (2010, June 11). In the matter of: Part XX.1 Criminal Code of Canada and in the matter of: Vince Weiguang Li. Murderpedia.Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, S.C. 2014, c. 6.Ontario Review Board. (2025). 2024-25 Annual report.Pedneault, C. I., Perley-Robertson, B., Mularczyk, K. P., & Prevost, H. (2023, January 16). Approaches to addressing serious mental illness in the Canadian criminal justice system. Public Safety Canada.Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick. (2024, May 3). Victims of crime: Not criminally responsible accused.Serena, K. (2025, April 20). The horrific crimes of Vince Li, the man who killed and cannibalized Tim McLean on a Greyhound bus in 2008. All That's Interesting.the fifth estate. (2011, September 16). Bus 1170: Vince Li and the Greyhound bus murder [Video]. YouTube. 26: -26:57.☕ Support the ShowIf you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this:Check out our merch on Amazon!Like, follow, subscribe, share!Leave us a review on Apple!buymeacoffee.com/crimechats