The Killing of Kuan Chung Kao

On April 28, 1997, Kuan Chung Kao, a Taiwan-born engineer who lived in California with his wife and three children, was out celebrating a promotion with friends at the Cotati Yacht Club.  A man at the bar picked a fight, using anti-Asian slurs to taunt Kao.  Kao, who was described as a "caring and friendly" patron, was sent home in a cab.  

But the incident had affected Kao more than one could have imagined. He reportedly had an alcohol-induced breakdown in his front yard once home. Kao shouted outside his house late into the night. He cried, "Neighbors, please help me!" This alarmed his neighbors, who placed about a dozen calls to 911.

Two police officers arrived, found Kao waving around a wooden staff, and Officer Jack Lynch shot Kao in the chest.  The officers handcuffed Kao and left him face down, bleeding, but still alive.  They also restrained Kao's wife, a nurse, refusing to let her administer first aid.  Kao was dead before the paramedics arrived.  Shields later stated Kao was waving the stick in a "martial arts pose."