Accused targeted drug rival, killed five others to eliminate witnesses: Crown

VANCOUVER – The Crown alleges the killing of six people, including two innocent bystanders, began as a hit on a gang rival in B.C.’s violent drug trade, but five more people were added to the bloody shooting to ensure there were no witnesses.

The bodies of the six people were discovered on Oct. 19, 2007, in a condo tower in Surrey, B.C., where the Crown said earlier in the day the victims’ heads were covered and they were executed.

Matthew Johnston, Cory Haevischer and Quang Vinh Thang (Michael) Le are now on trial for various charges, while a co-accused has already pleaded guilty and another, notorious gang leader Jamie Bacon, is scheduled for trial next year.

Crown counsel Mark Levitz says the three men on trial were associated with the Red Scorpions gang, led by Le and Bacon, who planned to kill Corey Lal after he failed to pay $100,000.

Levitz says Johnston, Haevischer and another man went to the apartment to kill Corey Lal, but also executed three other gang associates, along with building resident Chris Mohan and fireplace repairman Ed Schellenberg, who happened to stumble on the scene.

Levtiz says witness testimony, video surveillance, cellphone records and other evidence will show the three men on trial had the motive and opportunity to carry out the killing.