WSVN — Wai ho ing and his family came from Hong Kong to the greatest country in the world for the chance at the great American dream.
Carrie Ho, friend: "He told me that he thinks that moving here was one of the best opportunities for him because he wanted to make a difference and wanted to be someone."
He loved america, took the American nickname of Ray and even when tragedy struck his family, he kept moving ahead.
Carrie Ho, friend: "After his sister passed away due to breast cancer, he took over the family business."
Then a gunman walked into the family business, Hong Kong City Barbeque in Tamarac.
Scott Champagne, BSO homicide detective: "…and demands that Mr. Wai gives all the money that's in the cash register."
The gunman wanted money and wanted to destroy a dream and a life.
Detective Champagne: "Mr. Wai complies with his demands and witnesses overhear the victim say, 'I've given you everything,' and that is followed by a single gunshot. Mr. Wai collapses and dies as a result of his injuries."
Mr. Wai, Ray to his American friends, was killed on Mother's Day, in May 2007. His mother, who lost a daughter to breast cancer and a son to a callous killer, cannot deal with it.
Carrie Ho: "She wanted to do this interview, but she is incapable of doing it. She didn't attend the funeral. She never went to the cemetery. It's been two and half years, and she still doesn't want to face the fact."
She can't accept her son's death. Broward Sheriff's detectives can't forget it.
Detective Champagne: "It's heinous, it's frustrating, it's troubling that this person, being a suspect, has the ability to just kill someone in that manner without heart."
The gunman was wearing a mask, but one witness watched him put it on outside and was able to give BSO this description of the killer, a black male, 5 feet 10 inches, wearing a Rastafarian style hat and red bandana.
Detective Champagne: "Generally, when a suspect is clad with a mask, it would lead us to believe that he may be known to the patrons of the restaurant or possibly by the employees of the restaurant."
After killing Ray, the gunman headed this way, towards Treehouse Apartments, of course detectives scoured the place but got no leads.
Detective Champagne: "We have someone who is cold, callous– a murderer and would not hesitate to do this, as shown in this particular case."
Ray had always told his friends, if someone came to rob him, he would give them all the cash because he said his life is much more important than money. A sick gunman obviously wanted both, and Ray's friends have a message for the killer: You will get yours.
Carrie Ho: "It makes me very angry. I think that the person who did it, eventually, I believe in Karma.
If you believe in Karma, you know that you reap what you sow, you get what you deserve. This person took the life of a young man working hard to make it in America.
Give Broward CrimeStoppers a call and give this guy what he deserves: a lifetime in a tiny cell surrounded by other convicts.
And if you have lost a loved one, if you want to remind people you are still out for justice, give us a call.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Out for JusticeMIAMI-DADE: 305-598-HELPBROWARD: 954-796-HELP
Call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS with any leads in this case, no matter how small you might htink they are. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.