Man found guilty in 2011 murder of Ipswich restaurant owner sentenced to life in prison
The New York man who was convicted of killing an Ipswich restaurant owner was sentenced to life without parole Monday, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s office.
Cheng Sun, 51, of the Bronx, was found guilty of first-degree murder, stealing by confinement, and assault to rob a person over 60 years old last week, authorities said. He was subsequently sentenced to 40 to 60 years for the stealing charge and 18 to 20 years for assault to be served concurrently with his life sentence, according to the DA’s office.
The victim, Shui Keung “Tony’’ Woo, the owner of Majestic Dragon, was found beaten and stabbed to death in the restaurant in 2011, authorities said.
“It is hard to imagine a more egregious crime than this one,’’ Assistant District Attorney Kristen Buxton said in a statement. “There was no jealousy or rage. It was just cold calculation and, in the end, for nothing. This has had a devastating impact not just on Mr. Woo’s family, but on the community of Ipswich where Mr. Woo was widely beloved.’’
Sun isn’t the only suspect in Woo’s death: His co-defendant, Sifa Lee, 38, of Quincy, is scheduled to be tried March 8, authorities said. Initially, he was supposed to be tried along with Sun, but the cases were separated following a shortage of Chinese language interpreters, according to the DA’s office. A third man, Jun Di Lin, pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge related to Woo’s murder in September 2014 and will be sentenced following Lee’s trial, authorities said.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our Dad,’’ the Woo family said in a statement released by the DA’s office. “Shui Keung ‘Tony’ Woo was a loving: husband, father, grandfather and a caring friend to so many. Although there will never be closure, we humbly recognize all the many victims’ families that do not have this moment to embrace. We are immeasurably appreciative of the Jury’s Decision as well as their practically immediate response.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com