The mayor of Edmonton, CN is demanding two investigations into actions by police prior to the murder of two people in the city’s Chinatown.
CBC reports that Alberta’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police dropped off the suspect there three days before the fatal beatings.
“We would like answers as to why this happened, how this happened,” said Christina Trang to Global News. Her father, 64-year-old Hung Trang, is one of two killed. Police identify the other victim as Ban Phuc Hoang, 61. “The outcome of the situation could have been very different and my dad could still be with us today,” she said.
Police arrested Justin Bone,36, for both killings.
According to CTV, police responded to a domestic violence complaint against Bone. The homeowner there said he could no longer live there. The RCMP decided to bring Bone to Edmonton where he could access social services despite a court order that forbid Bone from going to that city.
The RCMP notified the Edmonton Police Services of its decision, but officers decided it could not arrest Bone because it determined he did not violate any laws.
“Officers were able to confirm that communication had occurred between Mr. Bone and his probation officer, and that Mr. Bone was working with his probation officer to get supports he needed,” EPS spokesperson Landis Reichle said.
Global News reports Bone has a rap sheet that includes, aggravated assaults, thefts, mischief, and failing to comply with his court-ordered conditions.
On May 18, police arrested him for the murders of Trang and Hoang. He’s accused of beating them in separate attacks.
“Our hearts are heavy for the family and friends of Hung Trang and Ban Phuc Hoang, and our thoughts are with them as they navigate this terrible tragedy,” Mike Lokken of the RCMP said to CTV.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has requested that both Alberta’s solicitor general and the city’s police commission conduct an investigation into what went wrong.
“This situation was not a one-off, or a mistake — we have heard this from community members over and over again. People are being dropped off into our community next to social services without any plan or accountability,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to CBC.
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