While investigations into the gruesome murders were underway in California, Charles Ng managed to lay low in Canada for a while. However, his criminal tendencies led to his downfall once again. Ng was caught shoplifting, and during a struggle, he shot a police officer, prompting an investigation into his activities.
Extraditing Ng back to the United States turned into a lengthy and contentious legal battle. Canada, opposing the death penalty, resisted returning Ng due to the likelihood that he would face execution in the U.S. This standoff stretched over two decades and cost an estimated $20 million in legal expenses.
When Ng was finally extradited and put on trial, he confessed to his involvement in the crimes but attempted to shift much of the blame onto Leonard Lake. He claimed he was merely a subordinate, acting as the “cleaner-upper” to Lake’s torture. Despite his defense, the overwhelming evidence, including videotapes and witness testimonies, led to his conviction.
In 1998, Charles Ng was found guilty of 11 murders and sentenced to death. He remains on death row in California, a chilling reminder of one of the most horrific killing sprees in American history.
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