nwasianweekly.com
Aug. 5, 2006

Tony Ng

Are you for or against release? Speak out

Are you for or against release? Speak out

Shock. Bewilderment. Confusion. Dismay.

A range of reactions followed when the Northwest Asian Weekly reported two weeks ago that Wai-Chiu “Tony” Ng has the chance to go free after 23 years in prison for his role in the worst mass killing in Seattle’s history. The horrific murders left 13 Chinese Americans dead in Chinatown on the eve of Lunar New Year in 1983.

The recent development in the case, known as the Wah Mee massacre, shows just how complicated and puzzling the laws of America can be, especially to new immigrants.

Many in the community are wondering how someone who was convicted of 13 counts of first-degree robbery and given seven life sentences could be released so soon. That’s not how justice is meted out “back home,” they say.

Here in America, it’s not only about punishing the criminal. The system also rewards for good behavior, at least it did at the time of Ng’s involvement in the murders. Since going to prison, his “life sentences” have been whittled down, one by one, by the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board, presumably due to good behavior on the part of Ng.

He could be released in three to five years, but it’s not a done deal.

The wishes of the victims’ families will be heard before anything is decided. Relatives and other loved ones can give their input at a hearing set for Sept. 6 at 9 a.m. at the office of the county prosecutor, inside the county courthouse at 516 Third Ave. Review Board members want to hear whether community members want Ng to stay in prison or be released.

We know it will be painful for relatives of the victims to talk about the case again. We don’t blame them; who would want to reopen this wound? Many of the family members never truly got over losing their loved one, as the killings shattered all hope for a normal life.

As difficult as it is, we urge those who believe Ng should stay in prison to come forward and testify. We know that many of them believe very strongly that the people responsible for such a heinous crime should be locked up for the rest of their lives.

At the same time, we encourage those who believe it’s time for Ng to be released to also come forward to testify. Ng’s family members may feel he has shown regret and remorse for what he did, and that he deserves a second chance at leading a meaningful life.

Whatever your conviction, make it heard on Sept. 6. This is your chance to speak out on an issue you feel strongly about. Your words could make the difference.

Not speaking out will be interpreted as not caring, and in a case like this, we know that is not true.

Send correspondence to:
Northwest Asian Weekly • P.O. Box 3468 • Seattle • WA  98114
Tel: 206.223.5559 •  Fax: 206.223.0626 • Email: info@nwasianweekly.com
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