Alfred Wong was out for dinner with his parents on the night of January 13, 2018. They were driving home.

What should have been a family night for the Wongs ended in a horrifying tragedy that shook the city of Vancouver – outrage and fear that someone so young, an innocent family, could be caught in the crossfire of a violent gang dispute.

They were just out for dinner.

Alfred’s death was needless. It was, and remains, unacceptable to us at the Vancouver Police Department and to the city as a whole.

Alfred and his family did not deserve this. While some may say the verdict brings a sense of closure, it cannot and will not end the grief of this family, and of Alfred’s friends and loved ones. That grief will be with them always.

As Alfred’s mother has said in her victim impact statement – there were no last words, no goodbyes.

That night marked the beginning of an intensive investigation by the VPD and law enforcement partners in BC and Ontario to bring the person responsible to justice. Project Heedless would eventually include nearly 60 sworn and civilian members from VPD, as well as officers from Durham Regional Police, Toronto Police, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit BC.

Many on the team, including me, are parents ourselves. We took Alfred’s murder personally and continue to share in the family’s grief.

That’s why so many VPD members have been in court over the years to be alongside Alfred’s family and loved ones.

This court process has been long for the family, for the investigators, and for everyone involved. Alfred’s loved ones have shown tremendous strength. They did not give up. We did not give up. Crown prosecutors did not give up.

We would like to thank the Crown prosecutors for their diligence and commitment throughout. I know your efforts are deeply appreciated.

The sentence handed down yesterday was the best we could hope for, although we recognize there is no prison term in current sentencing guidelines that can adequately reflect the toll taken in this case.

It will hopefully send a message to anyone bringing weapons and violent intent onto the streets of Vancouver – regardless of how long it takes, you will pay a price.

Inspector Mike Heard
Project Heedless Team Commander