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'I've never seen that much blood': Preliminary inquiry starts in fatal stabbing of Calgary acupuncturist

The first police officer on the scene after an acupuncturist was stabbed at Calgary's Perpetual Wellness clinic told a preliminary inquiry that witnesses had wrapped the victim in tablecloths in a vain attempt to save his life.

Jin Qing Huang is charged with 1st-degree murder

Chinese medicine practicioner Tiejun Huang, at right, was stabbed to death at his Chinese wellness centre in Calgary last June in an apparent domestic dispute. (CBC/Facebook)

The first police officer on the scene after an acupuncturist was stabbed at Calgary's Perpetual Wellness clinic told a preliminary inquiry that witnesses had wrapped the victim in tablecloths in a vain attempt to save his life.

"I've never seen that much blood from one person," said Const. James Dore,who knew right awaythe victim was dead.

Dorewas speaking at preliminary inquiry for JinQingHuang, who'scharged with first-degree murder in the death.

Though there is normally apublication ban on evidence presented at a preliminary inquiry, lawyersAdrianoIovinelliand BenLeungdid not ask for one.

Domestic incident

Both the victim and the accused share the same last name but they are not related.

The Crown's theory is that JinQing, 43, thought his wife was cheating on him withTiejun.

"I heard the accused say, 'You ... having an affair with my wife,'" saidKatieLiao, the clinic's receptionist who testified Monday through a Cantoneseinterpreter.

Cheuk Wong, the manager of the restaurant next door told provincial court Judge Bruce Fraserhe heard the accused's wife scream:"Why did you do this?He just tried to help me with the acupuncture."

Dore was working alone and nearing the end of his shift when he was dispatched to an "active assailant" call at the Chinese mall on 16th Ave. and Centre St. North.

'Don't you f**king move'

With his rifle drawn, Dore began searching for the stabbing suspect.

"Where'd he go, where'd he go, where'd the guy with the knife go?" he shouted, according to his account of the day.

Initially, the officer thought Jin Qing was one of the victims. He was half sitting, half lying on the floor near Tiejun and appeared to be in shock. Those still in the clinic pointed to Jin Qing.

I told him "don't you f**king move," said Dore. "The reason I used that very unprofessional word is because I'm alone, the scene was not secure."

Doresaid he kept Jin Qing face down on the floor with a gun to his head, and his boot between the suspect's shoulders until backup arrived.

A 'horrific scene'

Having attended five homicides and 10 attempted murder scenes, Dore said this was the most gruesome.

"It was a horrific scene," he said.

Jin Qing, who has been in custody since his arrest, quietlysobbed as aCantonese interpreter translated the witnesses' testimony.

One knife appeared to be lodged in Tiejun's stomach, a broken butcher knife was beside the victim.

The purpose of a preliminary inquiry is to test the evidence ahead of trial. If Fraser decides there is enough evidence, he will order Jin Qing to stand trial on the charge of first-degree murder.

Prosecutors Darren Maloney and Trevor Fik have three more witnesses to call. The hearing could end as early as Wednesday.