Guilty plea in Surrey Six murder trial
Posted November 28, 2013 3:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – One of the men accused in a gang killing in a Vancouver-area highrise that left six people dead, including two innocent bystanders, has pleaded guilty.
Michael Le, who was originally charged with one count of first-degree murder and conspiracy, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the October 2007 murders in Surrey.
Crown spokesman Neil MacKenzie says he will be sentenced Dec. 13. “The circumstances that Crown will be alleging against him will be put before the court at that time as will the Crown’s position on an appropriate sentence.”
The trial was disrupted this week, but details of Le’s intention to plead guilty were covered by a publication ban until his plea was formally entered.
Eileen Mohan, who’s son Chris was one of the innocent men caught in the gang killing says the plea doesn’t change her feelings of pain. “If Mr. Le had a conscience, he should have not conspired to kill.”
Mohan is hoping the plea will add strength to the case.
Le had been on trial since September along with Matthew Johnston and Cory Haevischer, who are each charged with conspiracy and six counts of first-degree murder.
Another person has already pleaded guilty, while alleged gang leader Jamie Bacon is expected to stand trial next year.
Four of the victims had links to drugs and gangs, while two others – 55-year-old fireplace repairman Ed Schellenberg and 22-year-old building resident Mohan – were innocent bystanders caught up in what the trial has heard was intended to be the murder of a gang rival.
A ban has been imposed on showing or publishing any pictures or images of Le.
