1901/15 Rex vs. Wong Sing et al., murder
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
now, before he pretty near killed me. I asked Leung Wah and Sing Dick, you have killed him, where have you put him? Leung Wah and Sing Dick said not to say anything, if you do we will kill you, too.
What is the answer they gave? A: They said nothing about the body. When first I saw them in the room, Leung Wah and Sing Dick both said they killed Lee Hung
I was working for Ah Min when Lee Hong first disappeared; I kept track of the date, 13th December in my head; I am sure of the date, I remember Lee Hong coming to town that day; I don't know whether he was sober or not; I saw him; when he made that remark Lee Young Ah Cooey I don't know if he was sober or not; he came from Cache creek that day; I don't know who came with him; I saw him at supper time; he was eating supper then, I have known him over a year. I am sure of that. He often came to town and I saw him every time he came to Lim Kee's store. Every time he came he eat his meals there. He gambled. I could not say that he drank much. He smoked opium. I don't know if he smoked much. I saw him drink that day, but not smoking. Leung Ah Quoy is at Cache Creek now. I don't know what he is doing there. When Leay Wah told Lee Hung to eat his supper and not say much, he said nothing. I have been in the country for near nine years. I have known Leay Wah about five years. Have known Sing Dick since the same year. It was about seven or eight o'clock I heard the fighting. I was in the store and went out. I saw fighting, saw them run after Lee Hung. I knew it was Lee Hung. Leay Wah and Sing Dick were chasing him. I don't know what age Lee Hung was. He was a pretty old man. I couldn't tell if he was as old a man as myself. He could not run very fast. I didn't hear any shouting. I saw them running after Lee Hung and
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 87 File 1901/15 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.