An ICE detainee who died last month at the Department of Corrections was the same man accused of attacking a Saipan family who had been helping him translate his immigration paperwork, according to a man injured in the assault.
The detainee, identified as Lian Yong Wei, had previously visited the home of Robert James Exley and his wife for help translating Chinese‑language documents into English. Exley said his wife, Yang Li, routinely assists members of the Chinese community by translating their own statements and wording, without offering legal advice or predicting immigration outcomes.
Exley said Wei returned to their home Aug. 21 and initially spoke casually in Chinese. Moments later, he said, Wei pulled out what appeared to be a firearm and began firing at his wife at close range. The weapon was later determined to be a pellet gun.
Exley said Wei also held a knife and repeatedly stabbed him as he tried to shield his wife and children.
“He went from talking to suddenly shooting at my wife and stabbing me,” Exley said. “I honestly thought I was going to bleed to death in front of my kids.”
Exley eventually wrestled the knife away, and the family retreated while their children called police. Wei fled the home.
Exley suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and thigh. He said he is facing months of physical therapy and ongoing nerve and vein damage.
Police arrested Wei later that night and charged him with disturbing the peace, assault, aggravated assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and an immigration violation. He was booked at DOC, where officials said he was found unresponsive in his cell during routine checks early Aug. 23. He was pronounced dead at the Commonwealth Healthcare Center. The cause of death has not been released.
Exley said he cannot speak to Wei’s motivations but believes the man may have been overwhelmed by fear about his future.
The attack has left the family in financial crisis, Exley said, noting that he is currently unemployed and unable to work while recovering. Three of his children witnessed the assault.
“The trauma we’ve all endured—it’s something we’re still trying to process,” he said.
