Unsolved 1937 Murder of Barnesville's 'Kindly Chinese Immigrant' Remains Mystery

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In 1937, the body of Woo Ah Lee, a 68-year-old Chinese immigrant who lived a modest life in Barnesville, Minnesota, was found in his home, having been strangled and struck in the head multiple times. Despite numerous suspects being questioned over the years, his murder remains unsolved to this day. Woo was known as a 'kindly' figure who provided candy and ice cream to local children, and his death was described as a loss of a 'ray of sunshine' for the community.

Why it matters

Woo Ah Lee's murder highlights the challenges and discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants in early 20th century America, as well as the ongoing struggle to solve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families, even decades later. His story also speaks to the importance of community ties and the impact that the loss of a beloved local figure can have.

The details

Woo Ah Lee came to the United States in 1885 at the age of 16, eventually settling in the small town of Barnesville, Minnesota, where he lived a simple life. Despite facing poverty and near-homelessness, Woo would regularly provide candy and ice cream to local children, earning him the reputation as a 'kindly' and 'benevolent' figure in the community. On May 17, 1937, Woo's body was found in his home, having been strangled and struck in the head multiple times. Police investigated numerous suspects over the years, including two teenagers who confessed to other crimes in the area, as well as a drunken farm worker who later recanted his confession, but Woo's killer was never identified.

• Woo Ah Lee came to the United States in 1885 at the age of 16.
• Woo Ah Lee was murdered on May 17, 1937 in Barnesville, Minnesota.
• In the late 1930s, police arrested multiple suspects for questioning in Woo's murder case.
• Nearly 20 years after Woo's murder, in the 1950s, a drunken farm worker named William Irwin claimed to have killed Woo, but his alibi was confirmed and he was released.
• In 2026, the Barnesville Police Department was unable to locate Woo's case file when asked for more information.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities continue to search for any new leads or information that could help solve the nearly century-old murder of Woo Ah Lee, but the case remains open and unsolved.