Closing arguments have begun in the murder trial of a man accused of killing a teenage bystander during a gang shooting in British Columbia.
The accused, whose name has not been released due to a publication ban, is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting that took place in Surrey in 2018.
The victim, 15-year-old Alfred Wong, was an innocent bystander who was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting while waiting for a bus. He was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.
During the trial, the Crown argued that the accused was a member of the Kang group, a rival gang to the Red Scorpions, and that he was seeking revenge for a previous shooting that had injured one of his fellow gang members.
The prosecution presented evidence that the accused was seen on surveillance footage at the scene of the shooting and that his DNA was found on a gun that was used in the attack.
In their closing arguments, the Crown urged the jury to find the accused guilty of first-degree murder, stating that he had planned and carried out the shooting with the intent to kill.
However, the defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking the accused to the shooting and that the Crown’s case was based on circumstantial evidence.
The defense also pointed out inconsistencies in witness testimonies and argued that the accused’s DNA could have been transferred to the gun through secondary contact.
The jury will now have to weigh the evidence presented by both sides and determine whether the accused is guilty of the charges against him.
The trial has brought attention to the issue of gang violence in British Columbia and the devastating impact it has on innocent victims and their families.
The judge has reminded the jury to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court and to set aside any personal biases or opinions.
The trial is expected to conclude in the coming days, and the jury will then deliberate and deliver their verdict. The accused faces a potential life sentence if found guilty of first-degree murder.
