Family, friends mourn bus murder victim

Family, friends mourn bus murder victim
Accused killer charged with second-degree murder
James Turner and Rosemary Westwood , Winnipeg Free Press/Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, August 01, 2008
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. - As his accused killer stood shackled at the wrists and ankles to face a charge of second-degree murder Friday, the many friends of Tim McLean drew together in a circle of sorrow, trading e-mails and struggling to cope with their grief.

"He was such a sweetheart. I cannot think of anybody who would not miss him," said Mayme Martin, 19. She worked the carnival circuit with the 22-year-old McLean.

"To anybody who knew him, he was that bright, bubbly, happy guy. He was always out for fun. I already miss him."

Vince Weiguang Li, the 40-year-old suspect in the gruesome stabbing and decapitation of McLean aboard a Greyhound bus in Manitoba Wednesday night, appeared in court in court in Portage la Prairie, Man., on Friday.

Li - described by his employer in Edmonton as a "normal guy" who may have been going through marital trouble - makes his next court appearance Tuesday.

Judge Rocky Pollack asked that Li be held in custody pending a court-ordered psychological evaluation. Pollack indicated he wasn't prepared to make that order until Li has an opportunity to talk to a lawyer.

When asked by Pollack if he wanted a lawyer, Li said nothing, keeping his head down the entire time. However, when the judge asked him if he was exercising his right not to speak, Li reportedly nodded his head.

The Edmonton resident, who appeared in court with bandages on his hand and cuts and bruises to his face, was arrested Wednesday at the scene and charged early Friday with second-degree murder.

Despite being in police custody since 1:28 a.m. Thursday, as of Friday evening, Li had refused the advice of a lawyer.

RCMP said that, to date, their investigation has found Li has no known criminal record. Veteran Crown lawyer Larry Hodgson will prosecute in the case.

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The report goes on to say that there is a rumor Li is a veteran, but there is no record of him serving in the Canadian Military.

http://www.legacy.com/CAN/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=114723599


A look at how the witnesses are coping and what they need to be aware of.

Coping with the trauma

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