OCA Letter In Support

June 10, 2002

Dear Mr. Richard Cantwell,

The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), a national Asian Pacific American (APA) civil rights organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates, is concerned with the judicial system’s treatment of Chinese immigrant David Wong. According to the David Wong Support Committee, there is a great need to reopen and re-evaluate his case to ensure that any injustices that may have occurred in the procedures and trials of David Wong are corrected immediately.

David Wong was originally convicted of armed robbery in 1983, at the age of 19. This was his first and only offense. He completely served the sentence for that offense. While in prison, a fatal stabbing occurred in which David was subsequently charged and convicted of second-degree murder in 1987.

Recently an April 22, 2002 article printed in the New York Times by David W. Chen raises questions to the legitimacy of Mr. Wong’s conviction. After a recent two-year investigation, an array of new evidence has been uncovered that further suggests Mr. Wong’s innocence. Witnesses have surfaced to name the actual killer. Friends and acquaintances of this killer have established the possible motive of revenge.

The pivotal new evidence is a recantation of testimony by Peter Dellfava, one of only two alleged eyewitnesses called by the prosecutor. In a videotaped statement, Dellfava admitted to lying in order to receive a transfer to a less dangerous prison, and a favorable letter of recommendation from the prosecutor to the parole board.

OCA is highly disturbed with the fact that Mr. Wong did not receive a qualified interpreter who spoke his dialect. His court appointed lawyers met with him without a translator prior to trial. In addition, the lawyers failed to investigate the case at all. This case attests to the vulnerability of immigrants who do not have the resources and ability to defend themselves.

As a national organization that advocates for the equal treatment and civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, OCA is deeply concerned that Mr. Wong’s right to due process and equal justice under law might have been compromised. Mr. Wong’s case demonstrates how there are systemic barriers to the criminal justice system based on anti-immigrant sentiments, racism, and poverty.

OCA urgently requests you to reconsider the case in light of the new evidence. We thank you in advance for your time and consideration and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

George Ong
OCA National President