Who murdered 61 year old Bing Woon Joe in 1995? In the early morning hours of September 15, 1995, the tranquility of the Bing Kung Tong in Portland, Oregon, was shattered by sudden violence. Bing Woon Joe, a 61-year-old Chinese male, was present at the social club located at 20 NW 4th Avenue when an armed robbery turned fatal. The series of events began around 1:20 a.m. when two men, described as Vietnamese, entered the establishment.
They were soon followed by two more men of the same description, and together they announced a robbery, brandishing handguns.
The four assailants ordered the patrons to lie on the floor as they began to demand money and valuables. Bing Joe, complying with their commands, was lying on the ground when one of the suspects approached him. According to witness accounts, as the man drew near, a single shot was fired. The bullet struck Bing Joe in the chest as he lay defenseless on the floor. In the ensuing chaos, all four suspects fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of fear and tragedy.
Patrons immediately called for help, and both police and an ambulance responded to the urgent scene. Bing Joe was rushed to Oregon Health & Science University for emergency surgery in an attempt to save his life. Despite the efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was the result of a single gunshot wound.
The suspects were described as four Vietnamese males, who in 1995 were estimated to be between 20 and 28 years old. Their heights ranged from 5'4" to 5'8", and their weights were between 135 and 150 pounds. All had black hair, and two were reportedly wearing black jackets. In the years that have passed, the case has remained unsolved, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Bing Joe. The Portland Police Bureau continues to seek information from the public, and the case is now considered a cold case.
