‘I feel free’: Judge acquits 2 Manitoba men convicted in 1973 killing in Winnipeg
Global News
Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse were sentenced to life in prison in the death of Ting Fong Chan, a restaurant worker who was fatally stabbed in 1973.
As Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse emerged from the law courts in downtown Winnipeg Tuesday afternoon, a crowd erupted in applause.
Only moments before, the two were acquitted of killing Ting Fong Chan, a restaurant worker who was stabbed to death in 1973 near a downtown construction site.
“Life is good,” Anderson told reporters on the steps of 408 York Ave.
Court of Kings Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal told Anderson and Woodhouse they are innocent and deserve acquittals.
“I’m now happy to enter them,” Joyal said of the acquittals. “Your stories are stories of courage and resilience.”
So many people showed up to watch the proceedings the matter had to be moved to a bigger room. When Joyal announced his decision, the courtroom cheered.
In June, federal Justice Minister David Lametti ordered a new trial for the two men, citing unspecified new evidence.
On Tuesday the Crown asked for an acquittal of Anderson and Woodhouse, who are Indigenous, saying systemic racism had affected the investigation and prosecution.