Who are Se Vang And True Vang? The Victims of a Domestic Violence Homicide by their Son Lue Yang
On the morning of December 29, 2023, a shocking tragedy unfolded in a quiet neighborhood in Fresno, California. A 14-year-old boy, identified as Lue Yang, allegedly shot and killed his parents, Se Vang and True Vang, in their home on Lamona Avenue. Four of his siblings, ranging in age from 9 to 17, were inside the house at the time of the incident. They managed to escape and call 911, while the suspect fled the scene in a car.
The Fresno Police Department responded to the call and found the victims with multiple gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The police also located the suspect’s car nearby and initiated a pursuit. The chase ended when the suspect crashed into a fence and was taken into custody without further incident. He was booked into the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus on two counts of murder and one count of evading arrest.
What Motivated the Teen to Kill His Parents Se Vang & True Vang?
The motive behind the horrific crime remains unclear. The police have not disclosed any details about the suspect’s mental state, history, or possible triggers. However, some clues have emerged from the family’s background and the community’s reaction.
According to court documents, the suspect’s parents had a history of domestic violence. In 2009, a case involving Ka Lou Yang (the father’s legal name) and True Vang was dismissed after both of them failed to appear in court. Ka Lou Yang also had a criminal record. In 2017, he was charged with a felony for fleeing a peace officer and driving recklessly. He was sentenced to two years in prison but was released early on good behavior.
True Vang’s relatives said that she had talked about divorce and that she was unhappy in her marriage. They also said that she was a loving and devoted mother who worked hard to provide for her six children. She was employed at TC Fresh Meat Super Market, where she was known as an incredible cook who greeted every customer with a smile.
The family belonged to the Hmong community, an ethnic group that originated from Southeast Asia and resettled in the United States as refugees. Fresno has one of the largest Hmong populations in the country, with more than 30,000 residents. The Hmong culture is known for its strong family values, clan loyalty, and respect for elders. However, it also faces challenges such as poverty, discrimination, language barriers, and cultural clashes.
Some experts and activists have suggested that the Hmong traditions could have made it difficult for True Vang to leave her abusive husband. They said that women who divorce are often ostracized by their clan and face social stigma. They also said that domestic violence is a taboo topic in the Hmong community and that victims often suffer in silence.
How did the Community React to the Tragedy?
The news of the double homicide shocked and saddened the community, especially the Hmong community. Many people expressed their condolences, prayers, and support for the surviving children. Some also called for more awareness and action to prevent domestic violence and to help those who are affected by it.
On the night of the incident, members of the Hmong community gathered outside the family’s home to pay their respects to True Vang. They lit candles, sang songs, and tied purple ribbons to the fence to symbolize the fight against domestic violence. They also raised funds to help the children with funeral expenses and other needs.
The Fresno Center, a nonprofit organization that serves the Southeast Asian community, offered counseling and other services to the family and the community. The Fresno Center’s executive director, Tony Vang, said that the organization was founded in 1991 in response to the growing number of Southeast Asian refugees, primarily Hmong refugees, who relocated to Fresno County. He said that the organization’s mission is to empower and uplift the community through education, health, social, and economic programs.
He also said that the organization was deeply saddened by the tragedy and that it was working with other agencies and leaders to address the issue of domestic violence. He said that the organization had a 24/7 hotline for anyone who needed help or support. He urged the community to reach out and to break the silence.
What are the Next Steps for the Case and the Family?
The case is still under investigation by the Fresno Police Department. The suspect is being held in a juvenile detention facility and is expected to appear in court soon. It is not clear whether he will be tried as an adult or a minor. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office will make that decision based on the evidence and the circumstances of the case.
The surviving children are currently in the custody of Child Protective Services. They are being evaluated and placed in foster care or with relatives. They are also receiving counseling and other support. Their names and whereabouts have not been released to protect their privacy and safety.
The family and the community are still grieving and trying to cope with the loss and the trauma. They are also seeking justice and healing. They hope that the tragedy will not be forgotten and that it will serve as a wake-up call for everyone to take action against domestic violence and to help those who are suffering from it.
