Accused in killing of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang ordered to undergo mental fitness test

A judge has ordered a mental fitness assessment for Jongwon Ham, who is charged with first-degree murder in the October 2022 death of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang; the scheduled trial was adjourned pending the assessment.

A judge has ordered a mental fitness assessment for the man charged in the 2022 death of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang. Jongwon Ham is charged with first-degree murder and appeared in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. The trial had been scheduled to proceed before a judge alone but was adjourned pending the fitness test. Yang worked as a mental health and homeless outreach officer with the RCMP. Key details: - The death occurred on Oct. 18, 2022, during an interaction in Broadview Park in Burnaby, B.C. - B.C.'s police watchdog reported the person in the tent was shot and wounded by Yang during the incident and later said there were no reasonable grounds to charge an officer. - A judge ordered a mental fitness assessment for Jongwon Ham, and the scheduled judge-alone trial was adjourned pending the outcome. - Court records show Ham faced prior assault-related charges in 2021 and 2022. Summary: The court pause delays the planned trial while officials complete a fitness evaluation. Undetermined at this time.