On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the Chin family, friends, and the International District Emergency Center (IDEC) honored the life and death of Donnie Chin. The event was held outside the Chin family store, Sun May Co., in Canton Alley.
This year marked the eighth anniversary of Chin’s murder; the case remains unsolved. Chin, considered by many to be a community hero, founded IDEC in 1968. IDEC grew over the years, but Donnie Chin was always its cornerstone. In a historically neglected neighborhood, Chin brought a sense of safety and stability.
People were accustomed to seeing him run by in his khaki uniform and first aid kit. Over his decades of service, Chin saved hundreds of lives and was usually the first person residents and business owners called when they needed help.
Donnie Chin was killed suddenly in the early hours of the morning on July 23, 2015, by gunfire between two rival gangs. His death shocked the community, triggering grief and anger over the City’s neglect.
This was the first public gathering to honor Chin since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donnie Chin’s sister, Connie Chin-Magorty speaks at Donnie’s memorial event • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiConnie Chin-Magorty • Photo byIndunil Usgoda ArachchiEugene Lee, an IDEC member speaks at the event • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiChin family, friends, and the International District Emergency Center (IDEC) gathered outside at Sun May Co., in Canton Alley to honor the life and death of Donnie Chin • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiThe crowd in Canton Alley • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiJamie Lee, IDEC board chair speaks at the event • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiAaron McCandless, a firefighter from the Seattle Fire Department speaks at Donnie’s memorial event. Donnie Chin had a close relationship with SFD • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiSue May Eng, Chair of Chong Wa speaks at the memorial event • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiCommunity member Annie Clark recalls the memories of Donnie Chin • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiCranes outside Sun May Company in Canton Alley, hung to honor Donnie Chin • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiMembers of the Seattle Fire Department add origami cranes to Donnie’s memory wall • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiThe community hangs origami cranes near Donnie’s memory wall • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiOrigami cranes outside of Sun May Company • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiThe community still demands justice for Donnie’s murder • Photo by Indunil Usgoda ArachchiCommunity members honor Donnie Chin’s life and legacy • Photo by Indunil Usgoda Arachchi
