Six gang members were arrested after a shooting that took place at a house party in Fresno, California
The suspects, who claimed to be members of the Mongolian Boys Society, allegedly stormed the home of a rival gang known as the Asian Crips and opened fire at about 40 people watching a football game on Nov. 17.
Four people were killed and six others were injured during the rampage at the property’s backyard, where 16 men gathered, according to ABC30.
Authorities identified those who had been killed as Kou Xiong, 38, Xy Lee, 23, Phia Vang, 31, and Kalaxang Thao, 40.
The suspects admitted to retaliating against the Asian Crips, who they believe was responsible for killing one of their members, Randy Xiong, 16 hours earlier, Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall said on Tuesday.
One of the suspects, Billy Xiong, 25, not related to Randy Xiong, was arrested on suspicion of mail theft on Dec. 17.
By Dec. 26, Fresno police served 19 search warrants and recovered two guns used in the attack as well as $46,000 in cash believed to have come from drug sales.
Anthony Montes, 27, Jhovanny Delgado, 19, Pao Vang, 19, Porge Kue, 26, and Johnny Xiong, 25, were also arrested, while a seventh person identified as Sia Vang is still wanted.
The shooting occurred at an area described as a 10-block southeast Fresno neighborhood home to many Latino and Southeast Asian — particularly Hmong — residents, according to CNN.
Fresno police have since created an Asian gang task force and braced for further violence ahead of celebrations for the Hmong New Year, which then saw a spike in attendance following the arrests.
“We have more people,” said Tonnah Her, manager of the event at Fresno Fairgrounds, according to YourCentralValley.com. “Even our Facebook messages saying we are going to come out because they feel safer.”
“The Hmong New Year celebration provides an opportunity to showcase the rich tradition of the Hmong culture and its people,” Fresno Mayor Lee Brand wrote on Twitter. “This year it also shows the strength and resolve of a community that has recently dealt with tragedy.”
All six suspects are currently held on bail of $11 million each.
Each face charges that include four counts of homicide, 12 counts of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Feature Images via Fresno Police Department
