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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. No, no; about the size of a pencil point, as near as I can tell; it's hard to know exactly.
Q. About quarter of an inch in diameter ?
A. No, hardly that large.
Q. Any black marks r discolorations in the neck ?
A. There was a great deal of clotted blood.
Q. That was internal, I suppose ?
A. Yes; inside .
Q. Did you notice his tongue ? Mr. Gillan objects to all this as improper evidence, on the ground that the medical testimony was quite clear enough, and the Court upholds his objection. Mr. Devitt excuses witness.
Lee Wing, Chinese Interpreter, sworn by breaking of saucer.
Joe, Chinaman, sworn, by breaking of saucer, says:-
Question by Mr. Devitt: - What is your name ?
A. Joe.
Q. Ask him where he lives.
A. In Trail.
Q. Who keeps the laundry where he lives ?
A. Wing Wo keeps the laundry.
Q. Where ? What street ?
A. In Trail.
Q. Ask him if he knows the deceased Sing, the man that died.
A. Yes, he know him.
Q. Where did Sing live ?
A. He live in the same house with Wing Wo.
Q. Was he working there ?
A. No; he not work.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.