One year ago, Montreal police shot Ronny Kay. His family says they still don't know much else

Ronny Kay was considered an important figure in Montreal’s Chinese community. He was a businessman, a part-time actor, and his friends and family say he was active in his neighbourhood.

Ronny Kay was considered an important figure in Montreal’s Chinese community. He was a businessman, a part-time actor, and his friends and family say he was active in his neighbourhood.

That was until Sept. 17, 2022 – the day he had an argument with his girlfriend. He seemed to be in distress, and police were called in. Then, Kay was shot dead in the middle of the street.

One year later, community members say they still aren’t clear on just why Kay was shot.

“We need an explanation of why we lost one of the most active, engaged members of the community,” said May Chiu, a long time community activist who has become a close confidante to Kay’s family since his death.

At the time, police said Kay wouldn't drop an object that looked like a weapon.

The inquiry was transferred to Quebec’s police watchdog, the BEI, which steps in when someone dies during a police intervention.

It’s been a year since the BEI got involved, and community members say little has been revealed since.