But sometimes you also have to be careful who you're nice too.
So sad.
Anthony Koko Chang's act of kindness led to murder: Toronto Police
Anthony Koko Chang devoted much of his life to helping others, so those who knew the North York man are not surprised to learn he cut another motorist some slack following a recent fender bender.
But investigators believe that decision led to the 62-year-old’s brutal slaying two days later.
Toronto Police allege Chang was stabbed to death last Thursday at his home on Francine Dr., near Leslie St. and McNicoll Ave., when a 24-year-old man smashed into his scooter two days earlier.
“He was a family man and wanted to do the right thing and help people, as was this case in this incident,” homicide Det. Kate Beveridge said at a press conference this week. “This time it cost him his life.”
Beveridge said Chang was driving his red and grey scooter north on Mount Pleasant Rd. at Roehampton Ave. around 12:20 p.m. on Sept. 10 when he was hit by a white Ford F-250 pickup with a Mount Pleasant Cemetery logo on it.
It’s believed the pickup driver, a seasonal mechanic at the cemetery, was at fault.
Chang, a self-employed Chinese and Japanese interpreter, suffered minor injuries but agreed to settle the $1,000 in damage without involving their insurance.
They allegedly met at Chang’s house two days later, shortly before 8 a.m., to discuss the matter.
“This encounter escalated and concluded in the violent death of ... Chang,” Beveridge said.
The city’s 41st murder victim of the year was found on the porch of the house where he lived with his wife and two grown children.
Kimnarine Keshan Maharaj, 24, of Toronto, was arrested Monday and charged with second-degree murder.
Friends and family are still stunned by Chang’s slaying.
An immigration officer, who worked with him at Pearson airport and asked not to be named, believes the practising Buddhist would have happily agreed to allow the other motorist as much time as he needed to pay off the debt.
“It’s so sad, over a thousand bucks,” the co-worker said. “One question I have is who goes to someone’s house to discuss a traffic accident with a knife in hand?”
The co-worker said Chang’s decision shows “the type of kindred spirit Koko was.”
“Most people who get hurt in an accident would think of suing, or at the very least call police and go through insurance, but not Koko,” the immigration officer said.
Chang also volunteered as a healer in the Chinese community, helping people with pain relief. And he kept meticulous notes, which helped police piece together the chain events.
Chang also enjoyed speed-walking and was often seen by co-workers pacing in circles at the airport with his step-counter.
His Facebook profile proudly proclaims he walked 10 million steps over a two year period.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash and the murder to come forward.
It’s believed the accused drove a 2002 blue Chevrolet Venture mini van, plate BEZF 970, to Chang’s home.
And Beveridge urged anyone who saw the vehicle in the area, or captured it with security cameras, to contact police.
She also asked victim’s neighbours, particularly those whose kids grew up along side his, to “help the Chang family by assisting police with their investigation.”
Maharaj, who immigrated to Canada from Trinidad six years ago, is scheduled to make a video appearance in court Thursday.
Anyone with information should call homicide detectives at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Anthony Koko Chang's act of kindness led to murder: Toronto Police | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Murder over a thousand dollars and dented fender. See I'd have no problem with someone like this never seeing daylight again.
So sad.
Anthony Koko Chang's act of kindness led to murder: Toronto Police
Anthony Koko Chang devoted much of his life to helping others, so those who knew the North York man are not surprised to learn he cut another motorist some slack following a recent fender bender.
But investigators believe that decision led to the 62-year-old’s brutal slaying two days later.
Toronto Police allege Chang was stabbed to death last Thursday at his home on Francine Dr., near Leslie St. and McNicoll Ave., when a 24-year-old man smashed into his scooter two days earlier.
“He was a family man and wanted to do the right thing and help people, as was this case in this incident,” homicide Det. Kate Beveridge said at a press conference this week. “This time it cost him his life.”
Beveridge said Chang was driving his red and grey scooter north on Mount Pleasant Rd. at Roehampton Ave. around 12:20 p.m. on Sept. 10 when he was hit by a white Ford F-250 pickup with a Mount Pleasant Cemetery logo on it.
It’s believed the pickup driver, a seasonal mechanic at the cemetery, was at fault.
Chang, a self-employed Chinese and Japanese interpreter, suffered minor injuries but agreed to settle the $1,000 in damage without involving their insurance.
They allegedly met at Chang’s house two days later, shortly before 8 a.m., to discuss the matter.
“This encounter escalated and concluded in the violent death of ... Chang,” Beveridge said.
The city’s 41st murder victim of the year was found on the porch of the house where he lived with his wife and two grown children.
Kimnarine Keshan Maharaj, 24, of Toronto, was arrested Monday and charged with second-degree murder.
Friends and family are still stunned by Chang’s slaying.
An immigration officer, who worked with him at Pearson airport and asked not to be named, believes the practising Buddhist would have happily agreed to allow the other motorist as much time as he needed to pay off the debt.
“It’s so sad, over a thousand bucks,” the co-worker said. “One question I have is who goes to someone’s house to discuss a traffic accident with a knife in hand?”
The co-worker said Chang’s decision shows “the type of kindred spirit Koko was.”
“Most people who get hurt in an accident would think of suing, or at the very least call police and go through insurance, but not Koko,” the immigration officer said.
Chang also volunteered as a healer in the Chinese community, helping people with pain relief. And he kept meticulous notes, which helped police piece together the chain events.
Chang also enjoyed speed-walking and was often seen by co-workers pacing in circles at the airport with his step-counter.
His Facebook profile proudly proclaims he walked 10 million steps over a two year period.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash and the murder to come forward.
It’s believed the accused drove a 2002 blue Chevrolet Venture mini van, plate BEZF 970, to Chang’s home.
And Beveridge urged anyone who saw the vehicle in the area, or captured it with security cameras, to contact police.
She also asked victim’s neighbours, particularly those whose kids grew up along side his, to “help the Chang family by assisting police with their investigation.”
Maharaj, who immigrated to Canada from Trinidad six years ago, is scheduled to make a video appearance in court Thursday.
Anyone with information should call homicide detectives at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Anthony Koko Chang's act of kindness led to murder: Toronto Police | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Murder over a thousand dollars and dented fender. See I'd have no problem with someone like this never seeing daylight again.
