The trial for a man accused of fatally beating two men in Chinatown nearly four years ago came to a halt on Monday morning when the accused announced he was firing his lawyer. Justin Bone is charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of Ban Phuc Hoang, 61, and Hung Trang, 64, in separate incidents on May 18, 2022. Three Edmonton Police Service officers took the stand as Bone’s trial entered its second week. The officers described the scene at the electronics shop where the body of Hoang was found, hours after Trang was beaten at a nearby autobody shop. During the cross examination of the third officer, Bone stood up and announced to the court that he was ready to remove his lawyer, David Wolsey. “I’m ready to let you go,” he said. Bone said his lawyer was supposed to be arguing charter issues and added he hadn’t had access to the full disclosure. “He hasn’t come over and seen me or nothing.” Justice R. Paul Belzil suggested that Bone and Wolsey take a moment to talk. “I don’t need no moment, man,” Bone responded. “I am not satisfied.” Bone was taken into a cell area in the court, where he could be heard screaming. The noise was enough to disrupt a trial happening in a neighbouring courtroom. Court was adjourned for two-and-a-half hours. Christina Trang, the daughter of Hung Trang, spoke to reporters outside court during the adjournment. “This past week has been really hard on the families, both ourselves and the Hoang family. It took a lot out of us to be here for that first week and being in the courtroom,” she said, adding she was still processing Bone’s announcement that he was firing his lawyer. “Quite disappointed to hear there’s more delays.” “We want to make sure that the victims, my father and Mr. Hoang, that they get their dignity, the accountability for what has happened.” When the trial reconvened, the sheriff announced that Bone was refusing to come into the courtroom and had made some comments about fighting. “He’s threatened to fight?” Belzil asked. “Yes,” the sheriff replied. The Crown requested that Bone appear by CCTV on Tuesday, while Wolsey asked for another chance to talk to his client. Belzil said it made sense for that conversation to happen. “The best outcome would be for you to continue as counsel,” he said, noting Bone is facing some very serious charges, and it would be in his best interest to have counsel. He also noted Wolsey is the fifth lawyer to represent Bone since he was charged in 2022. “Would you reassure him that what happened this morning will have no bearing on the outcome of this trial?” he asked Wolsey. He said in his years of experience as a judge things happen from time to time. Wolsey is expected to inform the court on Tuesday if he will continue as counsel or if Bone will represent himself. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson
