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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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(3)

A. Dr. Coulthard, Coroner.

Q. Where was the autopsy held ?

A. Over at the morgue, Mr. Binn's office.

Q. At the autopsy what did you find ?

A. Might not I read the report ? Mr. Gillan: - No; you can refresh your memory from it only as it is. Witness:- In the meantime, this is written. Mr. Gilan:- I must object to having it read at all. Mr. Devitt:- Doctor, we will have to depend upon your memory. Witness:- Well, my memory is good. Mr. Gillan:- I mus ask that he have no notes before him at all.

Q.(by Mr. Devitt) What did you find on your autopsy of the body of the deceased ?

A. What particular part of the body ?

Q. What was the condition of the trychea ?

A. I can give it almost verbatim, if that's what you want.

Q. yes.

A. well the general condition, somewhat emaciated.

Q.(By Mr. Gillan) That is the trychea ?

A. No; the general condition of the body was somewhat emaciated.

Q. (By Mr. Devitt) Would the emaciated condition lead you to believe that sufficient nutrition had not been administered to the deceases during the term of his illness ?

A. Well, the bowels and stomach were somewhat empty, if not almost. But if you want this autopsy now, let me give it to you.

Q. Yes.

A/ Eyes protruding. pupils widely dilated. Scrotum, bluish. In fact that's about all there is in the report on the autopsy-the general condition. Now take the throat: the thyroid cartilage pushed upwards and outwards. Displacement


BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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