Figure in Wah Mee killings closer to parole

SEATTLE – A Washington state parole board decision could mean freedom in a few years for a man convicted of robbery and assault in the 1983 Chinatown Massacre that left 13 people dead in a Seattle gambling club.

The board decided unanimously last week that Wai Chiu “Tony” Ng can begin serving the final stage of his prison sentence. That final segment carries a minimum term of 65 months.

Board member Betsy Hollingsworth has said paroling Ng to that last term means he could be released from prison as early as 2014. He has served more than 24 years.

The board noted Ng has demonstrated a positive attitude and work ethic in prison.

Fourteen people were tied up, robbed and shot in the head in the shootings at Seattle’s Wah Mee club. One man survived to identify the assailants.

Co-defendants Kwan Fai “Willie” Mak and Benjamin Ng were convicted of aggravated murder and are serving life sentences without chance of parole. Tony Ng is no relation to Benjamin Ng.