In the early hours of February 19, 1983, the vibrant life of 47-year-old Jean Bick Chinn was tragically cut short in what would become known as the deadliest mass shooting in Washington state's history. A woman of Cantonese descent, she was among thirteen people who lost their lives that night in a brutal robbery and execution-style slaying at the Wah Mee Club, an illegal gambling establishment located in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. The assailants, driven by a plan to rob the club's patrons and staff, left behind a scene of unimaginable horror, with victims bound and shot in the head.
The night began like any other at the Wah Mee Club, a popular, though illicit, gathering spot for many in the community. Patrons, including affluent restaurant owners, were engaged in high-stakes games when three men, Kwan Fai “Willie” Mak, Keung Kin “Benjamin” Ng, and Wai Chiu “Tony” Ng, entered the premises. The trio, at least two of whom were known to some of the regulars, brandished firearms and quickly took control of the club. They proceeded to tie up the fourteen people present and systematically rob them of their money and valuables.
In a cold and calculated effort to eliminate all witnesses to their crime, the gunmen then shot each of their captives. Jean Bick Chinn, along with eleven others, died at the scene. A thirteenth victim succumbed to their injuries later at a hospital. Miraculously, one man, Wai Yok Chin, survived the ordeal despite being shot. He would later provide crucial testimony that helped bring the perpetrators to justice.
The investigation that followed the massacre was swift. Within hours, police apprehended two of the suspects, Willie Mak and Benjamin Ng. The third, Tony Ng, managed to evade capture for nearly two years before he was located and arrested in Canada in October 1984. All three men were ultimately convicted for their roles in the heinous crime. Willie Mak and Benjamin Ng were found guilty of murder and robbery, with Mak initially receiving a death sentence that was later converted to life in prison without parole. Benjamin Ng was also sentenced to life without parole. Tony Ng, who was convicted on robbery charges, received multiple life sentences.
