Wah Mee Revisited

Back in 2005 I posted a blog entry regarding the Wah Mee massacre in February of 1983, in Seattle, Washington. I referenced a freelance journalist named Todd Matthews who wrote a series of articles about the event for a local magazine.

It was a watershed event, a time when an easy going, medium to large sized city lost its innocence.

After further extensive research (including unsuccessful attempts to interview the 3 men convicted of the atrocity in prison), Mr. Matthews published an eBook last year detailing the events taking place in the year(s) leading up to the final showdown at the Wah Mee gambling club in Seattle's Chinatown (or International District).

He proceeds to chronicle the details of that evening the crimes took place, the following trials, the capture and extradition of  Wai-Chu "Tony" Ng, and the appeals that followed.

I'd highly recommend this eBook to any who have any interest in this historical event. He includes "behind the scenes" insight not seen in the media coverage, as well as a comprehensive perspective of the "shadow underground" of the first part of the 20th century in the Seattle Asian community.

It's a compelling, quick, and easy read, at a great price, and supports a dedicated local writer.