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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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A/ Yes; in a room upstairs, off from the head of the stairs.
Q. On what street ?
A. I can't tell you what ?
Q. What is it commonly known ?
A. The Bowery, I believe. I don't know the names of the street in town.
Q. Did you examine the body of the deceased ?
A. Yes.
Q. What did you find ?
A. Well, I made a casual examination and my suspicions were aroused. The throat, the thyroid cartilage was pushed upwards and forward; in other words there was a stifness underneath the chin which ordinarily don't exist in health- in fact is incompatible with health.
Q. A closer examination revealed what ?
A. A disclocation between the thyroid and the hyoid bone; the hyoid and thyroid membrane.
Q. Any further marks or abrasions ?
A. There were four/
Q. external in character ?
A. External in character-superficial, through the skin.
Q. What would you think they had been made by, Doctor ?
A. It could have been made by a Tooth-pick. (Mr. Gillan objects to the question, and asks that it be stricken out,) Mr. Devitt:- I only want the doctor's opinion. Witness:- It could have been caused by the finger-nails, a tooth-pick, or anyhing.
Q. You also performed an autopsy ?
A/ I did.
Q. When was this, Doctor ?
A. That would be the 18th., I think-yes 18th., the following day.
Q. At the request of whom.
Bc Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.