CALGARY — A Calgary man who killed his two children and tried to strangle his estranged wife was found guilty of second-degree murder Thursday.
James Bing Louie admitted to the attack on his family but his defence maintained he didn’t comprehend his actions that day because he had taken sleeping pills and was suffering from mental illness.
However, Louie was found criminally responsible for the deaths of his children, 13-year-old Jason and nine-year-old Jane.
Ying Tang, Louis’ estranged wife, took the stand during the trial and described her unhappiness in her marriage.
She told court that Louie appeared to have a split personality in the days leading up to the murder.
On Nov. 27, 2009, she said she knew something was wrong when she called her estranged husband and asked to speak to their children.
When she arrived home, the house was pitch black.
When she went to her daughter’s room she thought the little girl was sleeping but realized she was dead when she touched her face.
She dialed 911 on her cell phone and within seconds Louie had a rope around her neck. She struggled and ended up on the bathroom floor, face down.
At that point, police officers burst into the home and pulled him off her, saving her life.
Tang issued a statement Thursday thanking those who have supported her through her ordeal, including the 911 dispatcher and the police officers.
“Let the final tribute to my dear children be a reminder of the importance of life for all of us,” she said.
“If these horrific experiences would help us to make one single good change in our lives, Jane’s and Jason’s short but sweet lives would be translated into happiness for many others. Their passing through this earth would then be a seed of joy that will multiply over many lives and years.
“Hold on to the children that have been entrusted to you. Keep them safe and protect them with all your energy and love.”