Leung Ying
Mass Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Fairfield, California
TIME PERIOD
August 22, 1928
VICTIMS
11 confirmed
On August 22, 1928, Leung Ying, also known as Loy Yeung, committed a mass murder on the Bryan ranch near Rockville, California, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including 2 by axe and 9 by gunfire, and injuring 4 others. The incident occurred after Leung, who had a history of violence and was previously dismissed from the ranch for attacking the owner’s daughter, returned to the property armed with a .25-35 Winchester rifle and a hatchet. He fled the scene but was apprehended by police the following day and subsequently sentenced to death on August 31. Leung Ying died by suicide in his prison cell on October 22, 1928, just weeks before his scheduled execution, marking this event as the worst mass murder in California history at that time.
Leung Ying was believed to have been involved in gang-related activities, with some speculating that his mass murder was a result of conflicts stemming from his ties to the Hop Sing Tong. Additionally, there are theories that his history of violence and narcotics abuse contributed to his unstable mental state, leading to the brutal killings. His suicide in prison has led some to believe he may have been trying to avoid facing the consequences of his actions or feared the impending execution.
The Tragic Tale of Leung Ying: California's Forgotten Massacre
A Grim Morning in Rockville
On the morning of August 22, 1928, the tranquility of a farm near Fairfield, California, was shattered by a horrific act of violence that would etch itself into the annals of California's criminal history. Leung Ying, a name that would soon spread fear and bewilderment, embarked on a murderous rampage that claimed the lives of 11 people, making it the deadliest mass murder in the state's history at that time. Armed with a rifle and a hatchet, Ying's brutal actions left the quiet community of Rockville reeling.
The Man Behind the Madness
Leung Ying, also known by aliases such as Loy Yeung, Wong Gay, and Lim Onn, was born around 1899 in British Hong Kong. His life in America was marked by a string of criminal activities, including an arrest in San Francisco in 1924 for his involvement in a tong war and narcotics trade. Known for his violent tendencies, Ying carried the weight of a notorious reputation. He drifted through various jobs, including a stint as a fruit picker and cook on the Bryan ranch, where his violent and erratic behavior led to his dismissal after an attempted assault on Wong Gee’s daughter, Nellie. Despite his attempts to return, he was consistently turned away.
The Bryan Ranch Massacre
Under the influence of opium, Ying returned to the Bryan ranch on that fateful August morning. His first target was Wong Gee, the ranch manager, who was relaxing in an underground gambling room. Ying shot Wong Gee through the heart and subsequently killed Cheung Yueng. Wa Wey, another worker, was fatally shot in the back as he tried to flee. The violence continued as Ying moved to the laundry house, shooting Wong Gee's brother, Wong Hueng, through a window, and later attacking the ranch's cook, Low Shek, who succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.
The horror escalated as Ying made his way to the family home. He shot 15-year-old Nellie Wong as she headed to school and brutally murdered Wong Gee's wife and their infant son. In a chilling display of savagery, he killed their young sons, Johnnie and Willie, and mutilated Mrs. Wong's body. Two other children, Ruth and Helen, narrowly escaped by hiding under a bed. Nellie later succumbed to her injuries, becoming Ying's eleventh victim.
The Chase and Capture
Following the massacre, Ying fled in Wong Gee's automobile, sparking a massive manhunt led by Solano County Sheriff John R. Thornton. As authorities scrambled to track him down, Ying forced his way into George Sing's home, coercing him to drive to Nevada City. After abandoning his car and rifle, Ying was captured in a chicken coop near Grass Valley by Nevada County Sheriff George Carter and Deputy Sheriff Arthur Hellings. His capture ended a frantic search that had gripped the region.
The Victims
The victims of this tragic event included:
- Wong E. Gee, 47
- Mrs. Wong Gee
- Nellie Wong, 15
- Johnnie Wong, 4
- Willie Wong, 3
- Unnamed infant, 10 days old
- Wong Hueng, 56
- Wa Wey, 40
- Low Shek, 61
- Yeung Soon, 40
- Cheung Yueng, 64
The massacre not only extinguished these lives but left a lasting scar on the community.
A Short-Lived Trial
Ying's trial was swift. He waived his right to legal representation, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to death within 24 hours. His execution was scheduled for November 9, alongside three others, marking a grim day in San Quentin Prison's history.
The End of Leung Ying
Before his execution, Ying took his own life on October 22, 1928, by hanging himself in his prison cell. His death, much like his life, was marked by confusion and chaos, as his name was once again misspelled in reports.
A Legacy of Tragedy
The Bryan ranch killings, though sensational at the time, faded from public memory, largely confined to the narratives within the Chinese community. The victims were buried in a mass grave, later exhumed and reburied with dignity in Colma.
Journalist Evelyn Lockie, familiar with the victims, later called for a memorial to honor the lives lost and the community affected by this tragedy. Her words serve as a reminder of the haunting events of that August morning, a plea to remember those who suffered in silence.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original Wikipedia article.
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Bryan Ranch Murders
Leung Ying kills 11 people on a farm near Fairfield.
Leung Arrested
Leung Ying is captured by police after a manhunt.
Initial Court Appearance
Leung is arraigned and admits to the murders.
Trial Begins
Leung's trial starts; he pleads guilty without an attorney.
Sentenced to Death
Leung is sentenced to death by hanging.
Leung Commits Suicide
Leung Ying hangs himself in his prison cell.
On August 22, 1928, Leung Ying, also known as Loy Yeung, committed a mass murder on the Bryan ranch near Rockville, California, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including 2 by axe and 9 by gunfire, and injuring 4 others. The incident occurred after Leung, who had a history of violence and was previously dismissed from the ranch for attacking the owner’s daughter, returned to the property armed with a .25-35 Winchester rifle and a hatchet. He fled the scene but was apprehended by police the following day and subsequently sentenced to death on August 31. Leung Ying died by suicide in his prison cell on October 22, 1928, just weeks before his scheduled execution, marking this event as the worst mass murder in California history at that time.
Leung Ying was believed to have been involved in gang-related activities, with some speculating that his mass murder was a result of conflicts stemming from his ties to the Hop Sing Tong. Additionally, there are theories that his history of violence and narcotics abuse contributed to his unstable mental state, leading to the brutal killings. His suicide in prison has led some to believe he may have been trying to avoid facing the consequences of his actions or feared the impending execution.
The Tragic Tale of Leung Ying: California's Forgotten Massacre
A Grim Morning in Rockville
On the morning of August 22, 1928, the tranquility of a farm near Fairfield, California, was shattered by a horrific act of violence that would etch itself into the annals of California's criminal history. Leung Ying, a name that would soon spread fear and bewilderment, embarked on a murderous rampage that claimed the lives of 11 people, making it the deadliest mass murder in the state's history at that time. Armed with a rifle and a hatchet, Ying's brutal actions left the quiet community of Rockville reeling.
The Man Behind the Madness
Leung Ying, also known by aliases such as Loy Yeung, Wong Gay, and Lim Onn, was born around 1899 in British Hong Kong. His life in America was marked by a string of criminal activities, including an arrest in San Francisco in 1924 for his involvement in a tong war and narcotics trade. Known for his violent tendencies, Ying carried the weight of a notorious reputation. He drifted through various jobs, including a stint as a fruit picker and cook on the Bryan ranch, where his violent and erratic behavior led to his dismissal after an attempted assault on Wong Gee’s daughter, Nellie. Despite his attempts to return, he was consistently turned away.
The Bryan Ranch Massacre
Under the influence of opium, Ying returned to the Bryan ranch on that fateful August morning. His first target was Wong Gee, the ranch manager, who was relaxing in an underground gambling room. Ying shot Wong Gee through the heart and subsequently killed Cheung Yueng. Wa Wey, another worker, was fatally shot in the back as he tried to flee. The violence continued as Ying moved to the laundry house, shooting Wong Gee's brother, Wong Hueng, through a window, and later attacking the ranch's cook, Low Shek, who succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.
The horror escalated as Ying made his way to the family home. He shot 15-year-old Nellie Wong as she headed to school and brutally murdered Wong Gee's wife and their infant son. In a chilling display of savagery, he killed their young sons, Johnnie and Willie, and mutilated Mrs. Wong's body. Two other children, Ruth and Helen, narrowly escaped by hiding under a bed. Nellie later succumbed to her injuries, becoming Ying's eleventh victim.
The Chase and Capture
Following the massacre, Ying fled in Wong Gee's automobile, sparking a massive manhunt led by Solano County Sheriff John R. Thornton. As authorities scrambled to track him down, Ying forced his way into George Sing's home, coercing him to drive to Nevada City. After abandoning his car and rifle, Ying was captured in a chicken coop near Grass Valley by Nevada County Sheriff George Carter and Deputy Sheriff Arthur Hellings. His capture ended a frantic search that had gripped the region.
The Victims
The victims of this tragic event included:
- Wong E. Gee, 47
- Mrs. Wong Gee
- Nellie Wong, 15
- Johnnie Wong, 4
- Willie Wong, 3
- Unnamed infant, 10 days old
- Wong Hueng, 56
- Wa Wey, 40
- Low Shek, 61
- Yeung Soon, 40
- Cheung Yueng, 64
The massacre not only extinguished these lives but left a lasting scar on the community.
A Short-Lived Trial
Ying's trial was swift. He waived his right to legal representation, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to death within 24 hours. His execution was scheduled for November 9, alongside three others, marking a grim day in San Quentin Prison's history.
The End of Leung Ying
Before his execution, Ying took his own life on October 22, 1928, by hanging himself in his prison cell. His death, much like his life, was marked by confusion and chaos, as his name was once again misspelled in reports.
A Legacy of Tragedy
The Bryan ranch killings, though sensational at the time, faded from public memory, largely confined to the narratives within the Chinese community. The victims were buried in a mass grave, later exhumed and reburied with dignity in Colma.
Journalist Evelyn Lockie, familiar with the victims, later called for a memorial to honor the lives lost and the community affected by this tragedy. Her words serve as a reminder of the haunting events of that August morning, a plea to remember those who suffered in silence.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Bryan Ranch Murders
Leung Ying kills 11 people on a farm near Fairfield.
Leung Arrested
Leung Ying is captured by police after a manhunt.
Initial Court Appearance
Leung is arraigned and admits to the murders.
Trial Begins
Leung's trial starts; he pleads guilty without an attorney.
Sentenced to Death
Leung is sentenced to death by hanging.
Leung Commits Suicide
Leung Ying hangs himself in his prison cell.