Two teens charged with brick-death murder

Two teens were charged yesterday with the murder of an elderly cleaner who died when hit by a brick in Sheung Shui last November.

Chan Yin-ting, a 16-year-old student, and Kelvin Lau Tsz-lung, a jobless 17-year-old, appeared before magistrate Kelly Shui in Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court.

They allegedly murdered Luo Chang-qing, a 70-year-old cleaner, outside North District Town Hall in Sheung Shui on November 13.

They were also charged with rioting and wounding with intent for allegedly injuring a man referred to as X in court at the same location.

No plea were taken and they were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on June 1. Their case will be heard at Eastern Magistrates' Court before it is transferred to the High Court for trial.

Luo, who worked for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, was hit on the head by a brick during clashes on November 13 when people threw bricks at each other. He was certified dead the next day.

Police said outside court yesterday that the two defendants were among three men and three women aged between 15 and 18 arrested in mid-December last year.

Apart from Chan and Lau, no charges have been laid against the rest and they have been released on bail pending investigation.

Police added that clashes on the same day left a 61-year-old man with an eye injury.

Chan Tin-chu, senior police superintendent of the New Territories North regional crime unit, said: "It is believed that more people related to the case still haven't been arrested."

A HK$800,000 reward for anyone who provides information on the case which police announced on December 10 last year is still in effect.

He said it is heartbreaking to see lots of underage people commit crime.

"What is more worrying is that there are people in society that shield, perpetuate or support such actions of the criminals, using any excuses to justify or romanticize their actions," Chan said.

"Police are here to condemn people who commit crime using violence, as well as those who encourage youngsters to commit crime."

Chan said he would not comment on the case further as it has entered the judicial process.

"Regarding the case, it will take us longer to further collect evidence and make further arrests," he said.

"All the evidence we have collected so far has been handed to the Department of Justice for investigation, including that collected online and the information provided by the public."

erin.chan@singtaonewscorp.com