Chicago Man Sentenced to 65 Years for 2021 Chinatown Murder

Alphonso Joyner convicted of killing 71-year-old Woom Sing Tse in brazen daylight shooting

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A 27-year-old Chicago man named Alphonso Joyner has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for the 2021 murder of 71-year-old Woom Sing Tse in the city's Chinatown neighborhood. Joyner shot Tse 26 times with a ghost gun after pulling up to him in a car and then exiting the vehicle to continue firing, in a crime that deeply shook the local community.

Why it matters

The brutal murder of Woom Sing Tse, a beloved community member, highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Chicago, especially in neighborhoods like Chinatown that have historically faced challenges with crime. The quick arrest and conviction of Joyner, who had a prior criminal record, also raised questions about bail reform and whether more needs to be done to keep repeat offenders off the streets.

The details

On December 7, 2021, Joyner allegedly pulled up to Tse in a car around 12:30 pm near an elementary school in Chinatown and opened fire on him from the driver's seat, shooting him 26 times with a ghost gun. Joyner then exited the vehicle and continued firing at Tse's body, killing him. Community-provided surveillance video helped police quickly track down and arrest Joyner, whose prior arrests included two gun offenses.

  • On December 7, 2021, the shooting occurred around 12:30 pm.
  • In October 2026, Joyner was found guilty of murder.
  • On January 31, 2026, Joyner was sentenced to 65 years in prison.

The players

Alphonso Joyner

A 27-year-old Chicago resident who was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison for the 2021 murder of Woom Sing Tse.

Woom Sing Tse

A 71-year-old former restaurant owner who was beloved in the Chinatown community and was shot and killed by Joyner while walking to buy a newspaper.

David Brown

The Chicago Police Superintendent who credited the Chinatown community for helping quickly arrest Joyner after the murder.

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney who said the conviction provided some comfort to Tse's family and the Chinatown community.

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What they’re saying

“This senseless act of violence robbed Woom Sing Tse's family of a beloved and doting grandfather, and it traumatized the entire Chinatown community. While today's guilty verdict cannot erase the pain and grief of Tse's loved ones, we hope this outcome provides some comfort in knowing that justice has been served.”

— Eileen O'Neill Burke, Cook County State's Attorney

“He was a man who came to this country just with a few dollars in his pocket and through hard work and a determined spirit, achieved the American dream. Mr. Tse built their home and provided for his family. He was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a man of the community, a Chicagoan.”

— David Brown, Chicago Police Superintendent

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Alphonso Joyner to appeal his 65-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with gun violence, especially in neighborhoods like Chinatown, and the need for comprehensive solutions to keep repeat offenders off the streets and provide more support for vulnerable communities.