On September 11th, 2008, Willene Wah Ying Chong lay sleeping in her bed at 2781 E.55th Avenue when an arsonist set fire to her home. The 77 year old woman became Vancouver’s 15th homicide victim of 2008, dying in the house she had lived in for over 36 years.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.
“We have used both innovative and traditional techniques to investigate this case,” says Sergeant Dale Weidman of VPD’s Homicide Squad.
Willene came to Canada from Hong Kong in 1949 to build a better life. She married in 1959 and went on to have five children and seven grandchildren.
“My mother was a strong, loving, self-assured and loyal woman,” says Jerry Chong. “We were shaped by her will and determination to better ourselves.”
“The pain never leaves us and we are haunted by the nightmares of that day,” says Chong. “This is especially true for my youngest brother who was present. He not only suffered physical injuries, but memories he cannot erase. He has not returned to work since that time.”
“Our family needs closure and for that to happen we need to bring her killer to justice.”
Anyone with information can call Homicide detectives at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
