The trial of Kane Carter, who is accused of being involved in a Vancouver gang hit that resulted in the death of an innocent teenager, has entered into its closing arguments phase. The incident took place in January 2018 when Alfred Wong was struck by a stray bullet while riding in the back seat of his parents’ car on Broadway at Ontario Street. Kevin Whiteside, 23, was also killed in the shooting, while another bystander was grazed by a bullet. The Crown alleges that Carter was in Vancouver to murder Whiteside, who was intended to kill a member of a rival gang. The defence has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
During the closing arguments, the defence counsel emphasized to the jury members the importance of weighing the evidence without sympathy or prejudice and ensuring that the proof provided is beyond a reasonable doubt. They argued that just because the accused has a history of bad behavior does not necessarily make them guilty of the current charges. The defence did not call any evidence during the trial and pointed out gaps in the Crown’s case, suggesting that there are uncertainties about whether Carter actually fired the deadly shots.
The Crown’s case is primarily based on circumstantial evidence, alleging that Carter was in a burgundy van captured on surveillance video, which was seen leaving the scene right after the gun battle. The Crown claims the van found at Carter’s apartment complex is the same vehicle, and DNA evidence connected to him was discovered inside. However, the murder weapon was never recovered, and no witnesses saw who pulled the trigger. The Crown also highlighted Carter’s actions after the shooting, such as changing his phone number the next day and buying a one-way flight to Ontario a few days later. The defence acknowledges that the van found at Carter’s apartment complex is the same as the one seen in the surveillance video but disputes many of the Crown’s assertions about his conduct.
BC Supreme Court Justice Catherine Wedge is expected to provide the jury with her final instructions before they deliberate on the case. It remains to be seen whether the jury will find Carter guilty beyond a reasonable doubt based on the evidence presented by both the Crown and the defence. The trial has shed light on the complexities of gang-related violence and the tragic consequences it can have on innocent bystanders, such as the death of Alfred Wong in this case. The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for both the accused and the families of the victims involved in this senseless act of violence.
