Update: The Fresno Police Department confirmed this afternoon that Xy Lee, 23, died alongside Phia Vang, 31; Kalaxang Thao, 40; and Kou Xiong, 38.
Andrew Hall—the Fresno Police Chief—said at a press conference held today that two or more gunmen got into an unlocked backyard gate, proceeded to walk into a “very peaceful, quiet family gathering” and opened fire with automatic pistols at the 16 people present, hitting 10. The remainder of the 35 people present, who were women and children, were left uninjured.
No victim at the scene was affiliated to a gang, although a team that knows Asian gang activity is assisting in the investigation, said Hall.
The police chief said that they are following up a lead that alleges at least some of the victims may have been part of an altercation that took place some days before the shooting.
Original Post: A well-known Hmong singer who lives in Long Beach was found dead in a backyard shooting alongside three others on Sunday night, a social media site reports.
“We have received confirmation from his family member that Xy Lee, the famous Hmong singer, was indeed one of the victims that was shot and killed at the family gathering,” says a post made on Hmong Talk’s Facebook page. “This is truly a heart breaking time for everyone involved. Thank you for all the beautiful music that you have created. You will truly be missed! RIP!”
JN Vang, who is one of Lee’s close friends as well as a Hmong singer as well, was wounded in the shooting alongside five other people, and the last word was that he is getting surgery for this reason.
Around 35 people—including women and children—were busy watching football at around 8 on Sunday night in an East Lamona Avenue home’s backyard. That was when unknown gunmen snuck in and opened fire, after which the two fled.
No shooters have been captured, and at this time the motive remains unknown. The police have yet to officially confirm the victims’ identities. It is known at this time that all were Asian men aged between 25 and 35.
Lee hails originally from Sam Nua, Houaphan, Laos; his Facebook page says he was staying in Long Beach at the time of the shooting.
Lee has upwards of 90,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, and this was listed as his occupation. In all, he had more than 17 million views on his videos.
“The Hmong Community has lost a talented musician…May You Rest In Peace Xy Lee, your music will live on,” wrote a fan on Hmong Talk’s page.
“This is senseless violence,” said Michael Reed, who serves as the Fresno Police Department’s deputy chief, during a press conference. “We’re going to do everything we can to find out who the perpetrators are and bring them to justice.”
He added, “Thank God that no kids were hurt because there were several kids and females that were in attendance at this party.”
“After a week of horrific shootings in California, this time tragedy struck in my hometown,” said Nicole Webb, who works as a “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” volunteer. “Our hearts ache for those shot and killed, as well as those wounded in this horrific act of violence. People should be free to gather with friends and family without the fear of being shot, and this shooting is another tragic reminder that we must do more to end gun violence in all its forms.”
