Latest news with #OliverKarafa
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Murderer Lucy Li broke bail to go to restaurant and gym, leaving mom to pay $1M fine: Hamilton court
While Yun Lu "Lucy" Li was waiting to go on trial for first-degree murder, she breached her bail conditions to eat lunch at a restaurant with a potential Crown witness, work out at the gym in her sister's luxury Toronto condo and use her cellphone unsupervised. The cost for the breach: $1 million to her mom, Hong Wei Liao, as ordered by Justice Andrew Goodman in a Hamilton courtroom May 16. "She never imagined for a moment that her daughter would ever do something as thoughtless, selfish, irresponsible," said Liao's lawyer William Smart. Li is currently serving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years for murdering Tyler Pratt and attempting to murder Jordyn Romano after a jury found both her and her partner Oliver Karafa guilty a year ago. But before the trial, in December 2021, Liao had pledged $2 million when she signed as a surety for Li after what Goodman described as a "hotly contested" bail hearing, which he presided over. Three of Liao's friends, including Nam Sook Bae, also became sureties and committed another nearly $1 million. A surety is someone who agrees to ensure the person out on bail meets their court-ordered bail conditions. Bae is now required to forfeit $50,000 of the $200,000 she pledged. "None of these people are bad people," said Bae's lawyer Dean Paquette at the hearing earlier this month. "They came forward with the best of intentions: to grant someone liberty pending a trial." Liao's two other friends don't face any penalties as they were not responsible for Li at the time of the breaches, as agreed by both the Crown and defence lawyers for the four sureties, who were all present at the hearing, along with Li's lawyer. Li apologizes for 'blowing it' The amount being forfeited is "exceptional," capping off an "exceptional" case, said assistant Crown attorney Mark Dean. "Given the seriousness of the charges she was facing, the extraordinary sums pledged and the apparent flagrant nature of the breaches, there remains a great public interest in proceeding with forfeitures," he said. "It sends a message to the public and Hamilton community that promises made to the court to secure someone's release matter." Li's lawyer Frank Addario said she accepts full responsibility for the breaches. "She's asked me to convey to the court her sincere regret for blowing it," he said. "She has apologized to the sureties through me and unfortunately that's the most she can do in her current circumstances." In early 2021, Li and Karafa lured Pratt and Romano, their business partners and friends from Toronto, to a Stoney Creek warehouse under the guise of a secret meeting. Karafa then shot and killed Pratt. He also shot Romano in the heart but she escaped and was rescued by a person who happened to be driving by. Romano was 13-weeks pregnant and the fetus did not survive. Li and Karafa fled to Europe but police extradited them back to Canada months later. $3M bail among highest in Ontario At the bail hearing that December, Liao promised Goodman she'd "chain lock" her daughter's door at night, install iron bars on the window and take away her credit cards and ability to drive, Smart told Goodman this month. But Liao went out of town in May 2023 and Bae was in charge of Li, who was "actively manipulating and deceiving her," Paquette said. Li told Bae she needed to meet with a paralegal about a potential lawsuit and that's how they ended up at a Chinese restaurant in Markham, a city outside of Toronto, said Paquette. Li and Bae ate lunch with Li's two sisters and a man who was a possible Crown witness. Going to the restaurant and speaking to the man were both breaches of her bail conditions although they didn't interfere with the trial, Paquette noted. The next day, Li told Bae the paralegal meeting would actually take place at her sister's condo in a five-star hotel in downtown Toronto, Paquette said. "Foolishly, unwisely," Bae allowed Li to use her phone and the gym while in the building— two more breaches. After investigating GPS monitoring of Li, police arrested and charged her with four counts of breaching bail conditions and she remained in jail until her trial. The breach charges were withdrawn by the Crown when Li was sentenced for first-degree murder, which already carries the maximum sentence, said Dean. But even without charges, Goodman has the power to order forfeitures, which he did. "This is the highest amount I've ever ordered, and I'm not sure it's equalled in Ontario," Goodman said. "I appreciate the sincerity of all the sureties and a mother's love for her daughter in pledging her hard-earned money, as well as her friends in stepping up in support." Liao and Bae have a year to pay the court.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Murderer Lucy Li broke bail to go to restaurant and gym, leaving mom to pay $1M fine: Hamilton court
While Yun Lu 'Lucy' Li was waiting to go on trial for first-degree murder, she breached her bail conditions to eat lunch at a restaurant with a potential Crown witness, workout at the gym in her sister's luxury Toronto condo and use her cellphone unsupervised. The cost for the breach: $1 million to her mom, Hong Wei Liao, as ordered by Justice Andrew Goodman in a Hamilton courtroom May 16. "She never imagined for a moment that her daughter would ever do something as thoughtless, selfish, irresponsible," said Liao's lawyer William Smart. Li is currently serving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years for murdering Tyler Pratt and attempting to murder Jordyn Romano after a jury found both her and her partner Oliver Karafa guilty a year ago. But before the trial, in December 2021, Liao had pledged $2 million when she signed as a surety for Li after what Goodman described as a "hotly contested" bail hearing, which he presided over. Three of Liao's friends, including Nam Sook Bae, also became sureties and committed another nearly $1 million. A surety is someone who agrees to ensure the person out on bail meets their court-ordered bail conditions. Bae is now required to forfeit $50,000 of the $200,000 she pledged. "None of these people are bad people," said Bae's lawyer Dean Paquette at the hearing earlier this month. "They came forward with the best of intentions: to grant someone liberty pending a trial." Liao's two other friends don't face any penalties as they were not responsible for Li at the time of the breaches, as agreed by both the Crown and defence lawyers for the four sureties, who were all present at the hearing, along with Li's lawyer. Li apologizes for 'blowing it' The amount being forfeited is "exceptional," capping off an "exceptional" case, said assistant Crown attorney Mark Dean. "Given the seriousness of the charges she was facing, the extraordinary sums pledged and the apparent flagrant nature of the breaches, there remains a great public interest in proceeding with forfeitures," he said. "It sends a message to the public and Hamilton community that promises made to the court to secure someone's release matter." Li's lawyer Frank Addario said she accepts full responsibility for the breaches. "She's asked me to convey to the court her sincere regret for blowing it," he said. "She has apologized to the sureties through me and unfortunately that's the most she can do in her current circumstances." In early 2021, Li and Karafa lured Pratt and Romano, their business partners and friends from Toronto, to a Stoney Creek warehouse under the guise of a secret meeting. Karafa then shot and killed Pratt. He also shot Romano in the heart but she escaped and was rescued by a person who happened to be driving by. Romano was 13-weeks pregnant and the fetus did not survive. Li and Karafa fled to Europe but police extradited them back to Canada months later. $3M bail among highest in Ontario At the bail hearing that December, Liao promised Goodman she'd "chain lock" her daughter's door at night, install iron bars on the window and take away her credit cards and ability to drive, Smart told Goodman this month. But Liao went out of town in May 2023 and Bae was in charge of Li, who was "actively manipulating and deceiving her," Paquette said. Li told Bae she needed to meet with a paralegal about a potential lawsuit and that's how they ended up at a Chinese restaurant in Markham, a city outside of Toronto, said Paquette. Li and Bae ate lunch with Li's two sisters and a man who was a possible Crown witness. Going to the restaurant and speaking to the man were both breaches of her bail conditions although they didn't interfere with the trial, Paquette noted. The next day, Li told Bae the paralegal meeting would actually take place at her sister's condo in a five-star hotel in downtown Toronto, Paquette said. "Foolishly, unwisely," Bae allowed Li to use her phone and the gym while in the building— two more breaches. After investigating GPS monitoring of Li, police arrested and charged her with four counts of breaching bail conditions and she remained in jail until her trial. The breach charges were withdrawn by the Crown when Li was sentenced for first-degree murder, which already carries the maximum sentence, said Dean. But even without charges, Goodman has the power to order forfeitures, which he did. "This is the highest amount I've ever ordered, and I'm not sure it's equalled in Ontario," Goodman said. "I appreciate the sincerity of all the sureties and a mother's love for her daughter in pledging her hard-earned money, as well as her friends in stepping up in support." Liao and Bae have a year to pay the court.
CBC
26-05-2025
- CBC
Murderer Lucy Li broke bail to go to restaurant and gym, leaving mom to pay $1M fine: Hamilton court
Social Sharing While Yun Lu 'Lucy' Li was waiting to go on trial for first-degree murder, she breached her bail conditions to eat lunch at a restaurant with a potential Crown witness, workout at the gym in her sister's luxury Toronto condo and use her cellphone unsupervised. The cost for the breach: $1 million to her mom, Hong Wei Liao, as ordered by Justice Andrew Goodman in a Hamilton courtroom May 16. "She never imagined for a moment that her daughter would ever do something as thoughtless, selfish, irresponsible," said Liao's lawyer William Smart. Li is currently serving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years for murdering Tyler Pratt and attempting to murder Jordan Romano after a jury found both her and her partner Oliver Karafa guilty a year ago. But before the trial, in December 2021, Liao had pledged $2 million when she signed as a surety for Li after what Goodman described as a "hotly contested" bail hearing, which he presided over. Three of Liao's friends, including Nam Sook Bae, also became sureties and committed another nearly $1 million. A surety is someone who agrees to ensure the person out on bail meets their court-ordered bail conditions. Bae is now required to forfeit $50,000 of the $200,000 she pledged. "None of these people are bad people," said Bae's lawyer Dean Paquette at the hearing earlier this month. "They came forward with the best of intentions: to grant someone liberty pending a trial." Liao's two other friends don't face any penalties as they were not responsible for Li at the time of the breaches, as agreed by both the Crown and defence lawyers for the four sureties, who were all present at the hearing, along with Li's lawyer. Li apologizes for 'blowing it' The amount being forfeited is "exceptional," capping off an "exceptional" case, said assistant Crown attorney Mark Dean. "Given the seriousness of the charges she was facing, the extraordinary sums pledged and the apparent flagrant nature of the breaches, there remains a great public interest in proceeding with forfeitures," he said. "It sends a message to the public and Hamilton community that promises made to the court to secure someone's release matter." Li's lawyer Frank Addario said she accepts full responsibility for the breaches. "She's asked me to convey to the court her sincere regret for blowing it," he said. "She has apologized to the sureties through me and unfortunately that's the most she can do in her current circumstances." In early 2021, Li and Karafa lured Pratt and Romano, their business partners and friends from Toronto, to a Stoney Creek warehouse under the guise of a secret meeting. Karafa then shot and killed Pratt. He also shot Romano in the heart but she escaped and was rescued by a person who happened to be driving by. Romano was 13-weeks pregnant and the fetus did not survive. Li and Karafa fled to Europe but police extradited them back to Canada months later. $3M bail among highest in Ontario At the bail hearing that December, Liao promised Goodman she'd "chain lock" her daughter's door at night, install iron bars on the window and take away her credit cards and ability to drive, Smart told Goodman this month. But Liao went out of town in May 2023 and Bae was in charge of Li, who was "actively manipulating and deceiving her," Paquette said. Li told Bae she needed to meet with a paralegal about a potential lawsuit and that's how they ended up at a Chinese restaurant in Markham, a city outside of Toronto, said Paquette. Li and Bae ate lunch with Li's two sisters and a man who was a possible Crown witness. Going to the restaurant and speaking to the man were both breaches of her bail conditions although they didn't interfere with the trial, Paquette noted. The next day, Li told Bae the paralegal meeting would actually take place at her sister's condo in a five-star hotel in downtown Toronto, Paquette said. "Foolishly, unwisely," Bae allowed Li to use her phone and the gym while in the building— two more breaches. After investigating GPS monitoring of Li, police arrested and charged her with four counts of breaching bail conditions and she remained in jail until her trial. The breach charges were withdrawn by the Crown when Li was sentenced for first-degree murder, which already carries the maximum sentence, said Dean. But even without charges, Goodman has the power to order forfeitures, which he did. "This is the highest amount I've ever ordered, and I'm not sure it's equalled in Ontario," Goodman said. "I appreciate the sincerity of all the sureties and a mother's love for her daughter in pledging her hard-earned money, as well as her friends in stepping up in support."
Toronto Sun
22-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
MANDEL: Killer's mom must pay $1M for daughter's bail breach
After Lucy Li was convicted of murder, her breach charges were dropped – but prosecutors decided to still go after her sureties Get the latest from Michele Mandel straight to your inbox Lucy Li was convicted in 2024 of first-degree murder, along with her husband Oliver Karafa, for killing business associate Tyler Pratt, 39, in Stoney Creek on Feb. 28, 2021. Photo by LUCY LI / INSTAGRAM It must be a record. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Lucy Li, the infamous 'Bonnie' of the Bonnie and Clyde-style Hamilton killer duo, is behind bars for life for the murder of the couple's former business partner – but she's still inflicting pain. In a Hamilton court last week, her hoity toity ways cost her wealthy Markham mom, Winnie Hong Wei Liao, a cool $1 million for allowing her daughter to violate her bail conditions back in 2023 while another surety, her mom's friend Nam Sook (Nancy) Bae, is on the hook for $50,000. Though why the fugitive was ever allowed bail in the first place is another story. She and her husband Oliver Karafa, an instagram- beautiful couple certain they were so clever and so entitled that they'd get away with murder, had fled to Europe after their execution of Tyler Pratt, 39, and attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Jordyn Romano, 26, in 2021. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More Pratt was a successful drug dealer who had relocated with Romano from Vancouver to Toronto and invested half a million dollars in Karafa's business to sell PPE in Europe during the height of COVID-19. But his new friend's big plans weren't seeing the returns he'd promised and Pratt wanted his money when they were scheduled to meet March 1, 2021. Instead, Karafa and Li lured the couple to a deserted industrial park in Stoney Creek on Feb. 28, 2021, to view a warehouse they said might be perfect for a joint grow-op business. The duo were then pumped full of bullets and left to die. Pratt succumbed to his injuries while Romano lost her unborn baby but miraculously survived. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After an international manhunt, the killers were arrested three months later in Hungary and extradited back to Canada. Karafa was held in custody, but incredibly, after a three-day bail hearing, Superior Court Justice Andrew Goodman granted Li her freedom to await trial on $2.4 million bail. 'It was a hotly-contested, bail hearing,' said lawyer Dean Paquette, who represented Bae at the bail estreatment hearing last week. 'The conditions were going to be so tight that she had no wriggle room.' Or so the judge thought. Oliver Karafa, left, and Lucy Li have been convicted of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of drug dealer Tyler Pratt, and the attempted murder of Jordyn Romano. Photo by Hamilton Police The original plan had Li's mom pledging $2 million and her two friends posting $200,000 each. When one of them had health problems, Bae was added for another $200,000. Pacquette said Li admitted responsibility for two breaches on two successive days in May 2023: she was awaiting a meeting about a civil suit against her but when the paralegal was delayed, she and Bae went to Dragon Legend restaurant in Markham where they were joined by one of her triplet sisters and her boyfriend – a potential witness she was barred from contacting. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tyler Pratt was the third murder in Hamilton in 2021. Photo by HANDOUT / HAMILTON POLICE The next day, still awaiting the paralegal, Li was at the Four Seasons Hotel where one of her sisters was living and went to the gym without her surety and was seen on her cellphone – again, violating the conditions of her release. She was re-arrested for breaching her bail and has been in custody ever since. After Li and Karafa were convicted of murder, her breach charges were dropped since she's already serving life. But prosecutors decided to still go after her sureties. Lucy Li was convicted in 2024 of first-degree murder, along with her husband Oliver Karafa, for killing business associate Tyler Pratt, 39, in Stoney Creek on Feb. 28, 2021. Photo by Lucy Li / Instagram Pacquette said Li filed an affidavit admitting she violated the terms of her release and deceived and manipulated Bae, who agreed to forfeit $50,000, Li's mom, head of Respon International Group, a Markham life-insurance firm, was in Vancouver on business at the time of the breaches, Paquette said, and agreed to forfeit $1 million. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Liao's lawyer didn't respond to a request for comment but her friend's lawyer could guess how the mom feels. Lucy Li was convicted in 2024 of first-degree murder, along with her husband Oliver Karafa, for killing business associate Tyler Pratt, 39, in Stoney Creek on Feb. 28, 2021. Photo by Yun (Lucy) Lu Li / INSTAGRAM 'I think she's probably not very happy – not only is her daughter a convicted murderer, she's just cost her a million dollars. I'd be pretty pissed off,' Paquette said. 'She didn't care about risking her mother's assets by being selfish and foolhardy and thinking you're going to get away with it.' It's been a rough time for Li's mom – in February, a disciplinary tribunal in British Columbia cancelled her life, accident and sickness insurance licence for five years and ordered her to pay a $25,000 fine for using false documents to contend that she had an MBA from York University. And as for her troublemaking daughter, she's appealing her murder conviction. mmandel@ Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Editorial Cartoons World Tennis
