Ontario man on trial for killing his mother takes the stand: ‘I lost it’

globalnews.ca:

Warning: This story contains graphic and disturbing descriptions. Discretion is strongly advised. 

Dallas Ly spoke quietly recalling how since the age of six, his mother Tien Le was physically abusive towards him when he would get poor grades and engage in bad behaviour.

“Over time, it escalated with tools, spanking on the bottom and strikes across the face. She always told me that I was a stupid kid. I grew up in Canada unlike her. I had a lot of opportunities. I was supposed to be a good and successful child and if I kept this up, I wouldn’t amount to anything,” said Ly testifying in his defence at his Second Degree Murder trial.

On the night of March 27, 2022, Dallas said his mother returned home from the nail salon she owned to the Carlaw Ave. condominium where they lived, the then-21-year-old announced he was moving out to live with his aunt. Before asking what happened that night, his lawyer, Jessica Greenwood asked “Did you mean to kill your mom?” Dallas responded, “No, absolutely not.”

Dallas explained his mother paused, had a serious look on her face, seemed angry and then started shouting. Greenwood asked Dallas what his mother said. He testified in Vietnamese, yelling out the way she did. Greenwood said, “What did that mean?” Dallas translated, “Where do you think you’re going? You owe me $25K in rent. If you’re going to live with your aunt, I’m going to kill her and you.”

He told the jury he thought she would be happy about him moving out, not having to worry about him anymore, and was shocked and surprised she was so upset. Dallas said he disengaged and went back to his bedroom to find his bag full of clothes. He said his mother was still yelling in the front foyer. “Come here right now, and if you don’t