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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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Q. Hung Won, and who else ? A. One fellow named Ling Gay. Q Who else ? A. That's all. Q Ask him whose duty it is to look after Sing when he is sick A. He said the most time Wo attend to him-look after him. Q Wo, and who else ? A. Ray, old man. Q. These two men, the prisoners ? A. Yes. Q They attended him constantly ? A. Yes. Q. How does he know that ? A He just see them bring him something up there. He just come, they bring him tea to drink. Q He never saw him in bed ? A. No. Q Just saw them upstairs sometime when he came back at night ? How many times did he see them do this ? A He could not say how many-three or four times. Q. How long was he in the house ? A. Long time. Q. Five or six months ? A. He just move in about two months, nearly two months. Q. That's all. Witness excused by Mr. Gillan. BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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