Wah Mee massacre, Crime scene in Chinatown-International District, Seattle, United States
The site was a gambling operation inside the Louisa Hotel on Maynard Alley South in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. It functioned as a private club where members played card games and traditional Asian games for high stakes.
Three armed individuals entered the establishment on February 19, 1983, killing 13 people in what became Washington state's largest mass murder at the time. The incident led to significant legal proceedings and convictions for the perpetrators.
The gambling club served as a social gathering place for people from Asian communities who came to play traditional games like Pai Gow. High-stakes wagering was common here, with players regularly risking substantial amounts on single hands.
The building is located in the Chinatown-International District along a side street that is easily accessible on foot. The site remains as a historical location but is not open to public visits.
The sole survivor, Wai Yok Chin, was himself seriously wounded during the attack. Despite his injuries, he managed to escape and played a key role in identifying and convicting those responsible.
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