Local News in Brief : Mistrial in Murder Case
- Share via
A mistrial has been declared in the murder trial of a former Glendale restaurant owner whose attorney said he was not competent to return to court.
Pasadena Superior Court Judge Robert M. Olson declared the mistrial after hearing a motion from Deputy Public Defender Bennett T. Mori, who said Wen Lee’s mental health was deteriorating so much that he could not assist in his own defense.
The 64-year-old Lee is charged with the murder of Tuai Li-Chun and the attempted murder of her husband, Johnny Soong, in the former Uncle Lee’s Chinese Restaurant on South Brand Boulevard. Soong was planning to buy the restaurant from Lee but could not make a $5,000 payment in escrow he had promised by April 30, 1987, the day of the shootings.
In court last week, the prosecution played part of a taped confession that was made by Lee to police the day after the shootings. Lee said he intended to kill Soong and then himself after the business deal soured.
Olson appointed two psychiatrists to determine the competency of Lee and to report to the court July 21.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
