Man sentenced to 65 years for Chinatown shooting death of 71-year-old

Alphonso Joyner convicted of killing Woom Sing Tse, who was out for a walk in 2021

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for the 2021 Chinatown shooting death of a 71-year-old man who was out for a walk. Alphonso Joyner was found guilty of murdering Woom Sing Tse in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood. Prosecutors said Joyner fired 22 rounds at Tse, who was across the street from an elementary school.

Why it matters

The shooting of the elderly Tse in broad daylight angered the Chinatown community and highlighted concerns about public safety. The case also drew attention to the need for accountability and justice for victims of violent crime.

The details

Joyner was convicted of murder after a trial in October 2025. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison on January 31, 2026, though his attorneys have filed an appeal arguing the sentence is excessive. Prosecutors did not provide a motive for the shooting during court proceedings.

  • Tse was shot and killed on the street in Chinatown in 2021.
  • Joyner was convicted of Tse's murder in October 2025.
  • Joyner was sentenced to 65 years in prison on January 31, 2026.

The players

Alphonso Joyner

A man convicted of murdering 71-year-old Woom Sing Tse in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood in 2021.

Woom Sing Tse

A 71-year-old man who was shot and killed while out for a walk in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood in 2021.

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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 (abc7chicago.com)

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the media, community members, and everyone who has supported and amplified my father's story. Your coverage, compassion, and persistence have helped keep his memory alive and brought continued attention to the pursuit of justice for him.”

— William Tse, Victim's son (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Joyner's attorneys have filed an appeal arguing the 65-year sentence is excessive.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for accountability and justice for victims of violent crime, as well as the importance of community support and media coverage in keeping victims' stories alive and pursuing justice.