In a gripping case that has reverberated through Chicago’s Chinatown, Alvin Thomas has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a double homicide. Found guilty last November, Thomas’s conviction stems from the tragic deaths of Huayi Bian, 36, and Weizhing Xiong, 38, victims of a senseless shooting.

The brutal incident unfolded in 2020, within the confines of a parking lot in Chinatown, leaving the community in shock. Among the victims, Bian was known as a rideshare driver, a detail that resonated deeply with local residents and added to the tragedy of the event.

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Thomas’s sentence is particularly severe, with consecutive life terms imposed for each murder, illustrating the gravity of his crimes. The decision comes after an intense investigation by Chicago police, who apprehended Thomas shortly after the incident in the early hours of February 9, 2020.

The crime scene, located in the 2000-block of South Wells Street, was the backdrop for a failed robbery attempt. Thomas targeted Bian, Xiong, and a 44-year-old woman. While the woman complied with Thomas’s demands, Bian and Xiong resisted, leading to their fatal shooting. Fortunately, the woman emerged unharmed from the terrifying encounter.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the violence that can punctuate our communities and the enduring impact on the lives of those involved. The life sentences handed down to Thomas reflect both the seriousness of his actions and the justice sought by the victims’ families and the broader community.

Thomas tried to rob two men, Bian and Xiong, and a 44-year-old woman, police said. The woman complied, but the two men resisted, at which point police said Thomas shot and killed the two men. The woman was unharmed.

Police said officers were able to monitor cameras in the area to track Thomas down. Police said he ran about four or five blocks and police said shell casings from the scene matched the gun Thomas has on him.

Police said Thomas had a criminal history, and was on probation for a 2018 robbery and battery in Boystown.