After years of procedural delays, the murder trial for a man accused of a brutal double homicide in Edmonton's Chinatown is finally underway. Justin Bone, 36, is facing two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Hung Trang, 64, and Ban Phuc Hoang, 61, who were killed on May 18, 2022.
Prosecution Lays Out Case on Opening Day
On the first day of trial, prosecutor Anders Quist argued that Bone displayed "significant mental capacity" around the time of the killings and was capable of forming the intent required for murder. The Crown's opening statement detailed the grim circumstances of the attacks, which occurred while both victims were at work in the central Edmonton neighbourhood.
Quist told the court that Hoang was killed inside his business, Universal Electronics and Video. Trang was found beaten to death in the bathroom of Albert’s Autobody. The prosecution's evidence includes CCTV footage that allegedly places Bone near the crime scenes. Furthermore, Bone's DNA was reportedly found beneath Trang's fingernails, suggesting a physical struggle took place.
A Complex Path to Trial
The trial's commencement follows a protracted and complex pre-trial period marked by significant delays. Justin Bone, who appeared in court wearing a black sweater and sat silently beside his lawyer David Wolsey, has fired at least four lawyers leading up to this point. He also pursued an unusual application for public funding to hire a specific defence lawyer who does not typically accept legal aid cases.
Bone has sought a mental health assessment, though it was not ready by the trial's first day. His defence team, led by Wolsey, indicated they plan to file an abuse of process application. This application will challenge the RCMP's decision to transport Bone to Edmonton, an action allegedly in breach of a release order that banned him from the city.
Broader Review and Community Impact
The high-profile case has prompted scrutiny beyond the courtroom. The Edmonton Police Commission is seeking an independent third-party review to examine the circumstances surrounding Bone's arrival and presence in Edmonton, as well as the involvement of local police prior to the tragic deaths of Trang and Hoang.
The killings sent shockwaves through the Chinatown community nearly four years ago, raising concerns about safety and police response. As the trial proceeds, it seeks to provide long-awaited answers and accountability for a violent episode that left two families grieving and a neighbourhood shaken. The court proceedings are expected to continue with further evidence and testimony in the coming days.
