Street Gang Life

CALGARY — One of five Calgary gang members jailed for firing at rival gangsters during an “Old West” shootout on a Chinatown street has been released from prison. FOB Killers member Chantha Kim was freed earlier this month on statutory release, which is legally mandated for federal offenders who have reached the two-thirds mark of their sentence.

Although Kim, 34, is entitled to finish his sentence in the community, his lengthy involvement in gangs prompted the Parole Board of Canada to impose a condition forcing him to live at a halfway house under curfew. “You have been involved in a high-risk and violent lifestyle for a significant period of time,” the parole board wrote in a review of Kim’s case on Sept. 15.

Kim was behind the wheel of an Acura SUV that pulled alongside a car carrying four men associated with the FOB gang as the two vehicles travelled on Centre Street S. in the early hours of Nov. 16, 2008.

A violent war between FOB and a breakaway faction that became known as the FOB Killers has been responsible for at least 25 homicides since 2002 — including the shooting death of Chantha Kim’s brother, Mark, on Dec. 31, 2007.

Chantha Kim’s parole documents revealed the Chinatown attack was intended as revenge for the murder of his brother, who was also a member of the FOB Killers.

“There are indications that the ‘hit’ you were involved in and are currently serving for was retaliation for the death of your brother, who died in one of these gang shootings,” the parole board wrote.

Officers arrested Kim and his accomplices after they fled in his SUV.

Kim, brothers Marcel and Daniel Landry, Shaun Roberts and a 17-year-old whose identity was protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act were charged with attempted murder.

“Within your vehicle a secret compartment was located that stored a loaded handgun used in the shooting,” the parole board said, noting police also found several changes of clothes.

“The presence of the complete changes of clothing for those involved in gang executions is commonplace and significant.”

The attack wounded FOB gang member Nathan Zuccherato, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced this week to life in prison for his role in the triple homicide at the Bolsa Restaurant on Jan. 1, 2009.

Longtime FOB members Hans Eastgaard and Timothy Chan were also wounded, along with Matthew Chubak, who was shot and killed less than two weeks after the Bolsa murders.

Investigators recovered at least 17 rounds fired at the FOB car during the Chinatown attack, which the Crown prosecutor called “reminiscent of the Old West” during the trial for Kim, Roberts and the Landry brothers, who all pleaded guilty to unlawfully discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A judge sentenced Kim to five years. Shaun Roberts and Daniel Landry received six years each; Marcel Landry received four and a half years.

Despite the evidence that came out during his trial, Kim has denied being a gang member — a claim the parole board didn’t believe.

“You do not admit to gang involvement; however, your actions on the current offences speak clearly to your entrenched criminal value system where you conspired with others to orchestrate the execution of rival gang members,” the board wrote.

In addition to living in a halfway house, Kim is barred from associating with gang members and will remain under supervision until his sentence expires next July.