Family of Man Stabbed in Washington, Asian American Advocates Call for Hate Crime Investigation
By Bryan Ke
May 7, 2021
The family of a 29-year-old man fatally stabbed outside an apartment building in Bothell, Washington, and Asian American advocates are calling for a hate crime investigation into his death.
Calls for investigation: John Huynh’s two sisters met with prosecutors on Thursday to demand answers for the death of their brother on April 25. They are hoping the killer, Ian Patrick Williams, 25, would be charged with a hate crime, according to KOMO News.
- “We just wanted to know the truth. We don’t want it swept under the rug. Because if John’s name or story is not out there. Maybe they won’t push for a harder sentence,” Binh Huynh said.
- “We want them to look into every possible charge they can do,” Linda Huynh said.
- Asian American advocates, such as the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, joined Huynh’s sisters to meet with prosecutors on Thursday, KING5 reported.
- Cindy Domingo, a member of the group that is part of the Justice for John Huynh coalition, is calling for transparency in the murder investigation.
- “What is more important to us is the acknowledgment that the crime falls with a backdrop of an increase in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” Domingo added.
Other details: Authorities said pushing for a hate crime investigation would be challenging.
- “If we got additional evidence from police that showed there was a racial statement or any type of hate crime beyond a reasonable doubt, we could charge that but we don’t have that,” Casey McNerthney, part of the King County Prosecutor’s Office, said.
- Prosecutors also added Williams receiving hate crime charges would not add more years to his jail sentence if he is convicted of second-degree murder.
- Police are still investigating the case and are interviewing people who may have witnessed the violent crime.
- Williams remains in police custody with a $2 million bail. He is scheduled for a court appearance on May 12.
Two verified GoFundMe campaigns, organized by Simi Mullen and another by Kin Tran, have been created to support the Huynh’s family and for funeral service fees.
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