1903/18 Rex vs. D.L. Ray and Wing Wo – murder (Trail)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Mr. Gillan objected as leading. Mr. Devitt: I want to bring out how large the scars were. Q. Were they large scars ? A. As large say as an inch, about the size of a finger-nail. Q As large as a finger-nail ? A I should judge that from the distance I was, say four or five feet . Q Did you count them ? A. No, I did'nt. Q Did you look at them very close at all ? A. No, sir; not very close. Q Anything else about the deceased at the postmortem that claimed your attention, Mr. lsley ? A I can't say that there was . Q Did Dr. Hoyes vall your attention to anything ? Objected to by Mr Gillan. Q. Did you see anything. Mr. Gillan:- If this is not a professional man, he can't give evidence as to his internal condition, Mr. Devitt: Mr. Isley is quite competent—I'm not asking Mr. Isley for expert testimony. Q. Did there appear to be a fracture of any bones . A. Yes, sir; there was. Q What bone was it, some bone in the neck ? A. Well, I don't know the professional term for the bone, but the bone here on the neck (indicating), one side was broken off, say about an inch, or about three-quarters of an inch,broken off completely. It was hanging; the muscles were hanging. Q How large was the bone . A. It is hard to determine that. It's a small bone. Q Half an inch ? A. No,no. Q. Quarter of an inch ? BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.