Another Lawyer Fired by Accused in Edmonton Chinatown Murders

Justin Francis Bone, the man charged with murdering two members of Edmonton’s Chinatown community, is facing issues with trial dates after firing his latest lawyer, Alexandra Seaman. Bone expressed his desire to hire defence lawyer Tom Engel, but has been unable to do so because Engel no longer accepts clients through legal aid. Bone is facing two upcoming trials in May for home invasion charges and in October for the Chinatown killings. The deaths of Hung Trang and Ban Phuc Hoang sparked public outcry, leading to efforts to revitalize Chinatown and funding for a new policing hub in the neighborhood.

Trang, 64, and Hoang, 61, were beaten to death outside their workplaces on May 18, 2022, leading to calls for increased public safety measures in the inner city. A CBC report revealed that Bone had been dropped by the RCMP in Edmonton three days before the killings, despite being on release for a separate offence and having a court order banning him from being in the city without supervision. Bone appeared in court via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre and expressed regret for parting ways with Seaman due to issues with his legal aid counsel and a history of complications with previous lawyers. He mentioned the possibility of filing a Rowbotham application to be represented by an independent publicly funded lawyer.

Bone’s next court date is scheduled for April 5, where the court will assess his progress in securing legal representation and consider appointing an amicus lawyer to assist him with any necessary applications. Prosecutor Anders Quist noted that Bone’s May trial is already past the time limit set by the Supreme Court’s Jordan decision, while the October trial is approaching its Jordan deadline. Cases are typically dismissed under Jordan only if delays are attributed to the Crown. Bone hopes to address the issues with legal aid representation and move forward with his trials to defend against the charges he is facing.

The murders of Trang and Hoang have had a significant impact on the Edmonton community, prompting calls for increased safety measures and revitalization efforts in Chinatown. Bone’s case has brought attention to challenges in legal representation for individuals facing serious charges, as he navigates changing legal counsel in preparation for his upcoming trials. The delays and complications in securing legal aid representation have raised concerns about the timely resolution of Bone’s case within the legal system. Despite the challenges, Bone is determined to address the charges against him and proceed with a defense strategy with the help of a new legal representative.

Bone’s decision to part ways with his lawyer and seek new legal representation highlights the complexities of navigating the legal system, particularly in cases involving serious criminal charges. The involvement of multiple lawyers and issues with legal aid representation have added layers of difficulty to Bone’s defense strategy. The upcoming trials present a critical juncture in Bone’s legal proceedings, with deadlines approaching and concerns about meeting the requirements set by the Jordan decision. As Bone continues to pursue his case and seek the assistance of a suitable lawyer, the outcome of his trials and the broader implications for the Edmonton community remain uncertain.