Horrific Attack Leaves Civil Rights leader and Wife Dead in New Jersey
Table of Contents
A 69-year-old former civil rights leader and his wife were brutally murdered in thier New Jersey home by the man authorities say wanted to “kill someone and get away with it.”
- Dewei Lin, a prominent figure in the Asian American community, and his wife, Jean Lin, were beaten to death with a baseball bat.
- The suspect,37-year-old Patrick J. Lin, allegedly had a “wish list” that included committing murder.
- Police responded to a security check request and encountered the suspect armed with a knife, ultimately subduing him after a struggle.
- The case has deeply impacted the local Asian community,recognizing Lin Dewei’s decades of advocacy for Asian rights.
A shocking and violent crime unfolded in Somerset County, New Jersey, last year, leaving a beloved community leader and his wife dead.Dewei Lin, 69, a well-respected former civil rights leader, and his wife, Jean Lin, were fatally beaten with a baseball bat by Patrick J. Lin, 37. The chilling details of the case, revealed by Somerset county Prosecutor John McDonald, paint a disturbing picture of premeditation and brutality.
A Harrowing Scene and a Violent Confrontation
On September 25, police arrived at the Lin’s residence on Cornell Trail following a security inspection request. For nearly two hours, officers attempted to contact the homeowners before entering the property at 6:24 PM. Inside, they were immediately confronted by Patrick Lin, who rushed at them with a knife. after a struggle,police shot and subdued him,transporting him to a local hospital for treatment.
The scene inside the home was horrific. Authorities discovered Dewei and Jean Lin in a second-floor bedroom, suffering from devastating injuries. Forensic examination determined that both victims died from severe blows to the head with a blunt object, resulting in “facial collapse and severe damage.”
Evidence of Premeditation
A search of Patrick Lin’s bedroom revealed a disturbing collection of evidence. Investigators found three baseball bats,one bearing visible bloodstains. More unsettling was the discovery of a notebook containing a “wish list,” which explicitly included the desire to “kill someone and get away with it.” This,coupled with other findings,suggests a calculated plan to commit the murders and evade capture.
Further investigation revealed that Patrick Lin had recently withdrawn $700 in cash and purchased military rations and two knives online. A vehicle belonging to the family was found parked nearby, containing newly purchased clothing and another baseball bat, indicating preparations for a potential escape.
A Community in mourning
The deaths of Dewei and Jean Lin sent shockwaves through the local Asian community. Lin Dewei was a highly respected leader, deeply involved in advocating for Asian American and Pacific Islander rights.He was a long-time contributor to the Asian Pacific American Advocacy Institution (OCA), dedicating his life to fighting for equality and justice.
Charges Filed and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Patrick Lin remains hospitalized as the September incident. On january 16, he was formally served with a criminal complaint while in the hospital. He faces two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder for the attack on the police officer, and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.
