Chai Vang unintentionally trespassed on private hunting land in northern Wisconsin. . Willers said Vang walked a few yards, dropped a backpack, turned, and pointed his gun at Willers. Im sure, from all Ive heard, they were very close families and friends and I hope they only discuss how great those people were and how much love they shared. As he fled, Crotteau called the cabin on his walkie-talkie to tell Laski to bring guns. The trial began Saturday and jurors are expected to begin deliberations today. Several of the whites fired back at Chai but the local authorities treated it as an open and shut case and no forensic investigation was done on their rifles or shell casing recovery to assess whether they had been fired recently. I was squirrel hunting with an air rifle, my Beeman R9. While on a hunting trip in northern Wisconsin, Vang shot eight people, who were also hunting in the area, on November 21, 2004. Willers was shot by Vang on Nov. 21. The shooting happened after Vang was found in a deer stand on private property. That manChai Soua Vang, 36, of St. Paul, Minnesota, a certified sharpshooter and six-year National. This publication will provide readers with the best true crime content on Medium. Though he could point but not aim the rifle because of his wounded left arm, Hesebeck tried to shoot back. Vang, a six-year veteran of the California National Guard, shot eight people while he unintentionally trespassed upon a hunting group in northern Wisconsin on November 21, 2004; six were killed and two were wounded. According to subsequent oral statements by Vang, one of the local hunters, Terry Willers, took the first shot at him from about 100 feet (30 m) away, and therefore the shootings were in self-defense. Vang, a naturalized citizen from Laos who came to the United States in 1980, said he was trained as a medical specialist by the military and earned honors as a sharp-shooter. Allan Laski, 43, manager of a That manChai Soua Vang, 36, of St. Paul, Minnesota, a certified sharpshooter and six-year National Guard veteranopened fire by first shooting the group's only armed hunter. A hunter named Walter Cieslak was driving the ATV, giving a lost, polite hunter a ride. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. The first shot missed. And I said, 'On purpose?' He said he spent an hour there, looking for game and clues to guide him back to his friends. He fired as Hesebeck grabbed Willers rifle with his right hand and dove for cover. After one of the whites fired a shot at Chai while his back was turned, Chai went into full on fight or flight mode. (Pool photo via Associated Press). Why are we still having these debates? Vang, a six-year veteran of the California National Guard, shot eight people while he unintentionally trespassed upon a hunting group in northern Wisconsin on November 21 . Thank you very much in advance. Mark Roidt, 28, a friend of the The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Most involve family members, co-workers or former co-workers, or innocent strangers in the wrong place at the wrong time. Chai Soua Vang (born September 24, 1968) is a naturalized U.S. citizen and a Hmong immigrant from Laos.While on a hunting trip in northern Wisconsin, Vang shot eight people, who were also hunting in the area, on November 21, 2004.Six were killed and two were left wounded. SOUA XIONG OBITUARY. plans and enthusiasm Vang claimed that he was belittled and that hunters used anti-Hmong slurs against him after Willers and eventually other members of the hunting party confronted him for using a deer stand and being on the property. He says he shot two of the victims in the back because they were "disrespectful." The jury selection was moved to that area after Vangs defense team expressed fears about being able to find unbiased jurors because of pretrial media coverage. Vangs first shot missed but the second hit and destroyed him. The slayings occurred during the states beloved deer hunting season and exposed racial tension between the predominantly white north woods residents and immigrants from the Hmong ethnic group. . Shooting survivor Terry Willers and his wife Patricia walk out of He faces three such counts. Soua Vang, age 79, of Banning, California passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Joey Crotteau, 20, four hits center-mass. After spotting an unoccupied treestand about 2 miles from his groups campsite on Nov. 21, 2004, Vang pulled on a camouflage facemask and climbed up. Would you like to offer Soua Vangs loved ones a condolence message? The jury deliberated for three hours and 15 minutes before convicting Vang on all six counts of first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. Chai Soua Vang (born September 24, 1968) is a naturalized U.S. citizen and a Hmong immigrant from Laos. Vang later said, If I dont shoot him, he would shoot me.. by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio. Nobody really forgets.. In Vangs version of events that day, he tracked the animal for at least an hour and became lost. His third spilled Hesebeck's guts, who fell stunned and still.[5][6][14]. Bob Crotteau was asking for Vang's identification, using, Willers says, a "stern" voice. To keep creating The sadness of it all never leaves, said Culhane, who covered the six-day event. When Vang testified, he was not a good witness in his own defense, he said. Though the killings occurred about 50 miles southwest of the courthouse, residents here say the carnage has increased the already tense relations between locals in the predominantly white region and Hmong immigrants. The prosecution made use of these facts in arguing against the claim of self-defense.[16][17]. Willers, meanwhile, had regained feeling in his fingers, and called the cabin for help. After next ambushing and killing Laski and Jessica Willers on Laskis ATV, Vang returned to retrieve his scope and leave, thinking he had killed every witness. Robert Crotteau climbed out of one of the vehicles, he said, and began yelling profanity and racial epithets at Vang. He then shot three where they sat or crouched, chased down a father and adult son who fled, and ambushed a young nurse and her driver from behind as they rode unarmed on an ATV to render aid. He then heard a slight metallic sound from Vangs rifle, and realized Vang was out of bullets. While saying on the stand, "(he wished) it wasn't happening," Vang contended that three of the hunters deserved to die: "Did Mr. Crotteau deserve to die?" A very good hunter?. I believed him to be Hmong," Willers said. The homicide charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison, but Yackel could have set a parole eligibility date for Vang. His second marriage ended after he nearly choked his wife to death for gambling away $3,000. Soua was born in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Vang said he dropped to the ground in a crouch, heard a gunshot and saw some dirt nearby puff up. During his two-and-a-half hour testimony at the Sawyer County Courthouse, Vang said he feared for his life after one of the hunters shot at him, and believed the others were running away to get more guns. And he said, 'Yeah,'" Brandon Willers said. IE 11 is not supported. Social Media: Facebook - h According to court proceedings prior to his conviction, Vang acknowledged shooting the people, including one woman, but . Investigative Journalist | Criminology, Psychology & Sociology B.A. About 5:30 p.m., with darkness deepening, conservation warden Jeremy Peery noticed an ATV heading west on the Serley Camp Trail toward his post at the intersection with DeJung Road, roughly 2 miles south of the crime scene. He faces three such counts. They exhibited no signs of external trauma Every year big bucks are killed on public land. He says it struck him as outsiders trying to stir up trouble in the community. Chia had 4 siblings: Unknown Vaj and 3 . Are you a very good marksman? Lautenschlager asked. It also brought about a mental solidarity that life is more important than a deer, a disagreement, a misconception and a derogatory comment. No apologyAttorney General Peg Lautenschlager sought the maximum sentence for Vang, a father of seven children. The murderer was sentenced to what is effectively life in prison. 12:00 a.m. Sept. 17, 2005: For The Record Los Angeles Times Saturday September 17, 2005 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 57 words Type of Material: Correction Hunter trial -- An article in Fridays Section A about the trial of a man accused of killing six hunters in Wisconsin said Chai Soua Vang faced two counts of attempted murder. Vang pleaded self-defense, alleging that white hunters confronted him after unintentionally trespassing. "(I) asked what happened, and Loren said, 'He opened up on us.' [7] According to Terry Willers' testimony, "As Bob got back on the radio and asked me where he was at and I said, uh, he's heading south down on the food plot right now. The tragedy was so bizarre that most reports at the time overlooked an obvious fact: Until that day, mass shootings never involved hunters and hunting situations; and none since have involved hunters. I was thinking this was it.". Vang, a six-year veteran of the California National Guard, shot eight people while on a hunting trip in northern Wisconsin on November 21, 2004; six were killed and two were wounded. Vang killed Drew next as the Crotteaus fled in fear, and fired three shots at close range while chasing Hesebeck around the UTV. Spotting a tree stand (a wooden platform often built into a tree branch) near a swamp, Vang climbed up and studied the terrain. Nov. 21. Contents Chai vang Personal life Shootings Victims Investigation Upon receiving a response in the negative, he approached Vang and told him to leave the property and allegedly called Vang racial slurs. Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up, Intelligence agencies say theres no sign U.S. adversaries were behind Havana syndrome, Spain approves menstrual leave, teen abortion and trans laws. A lot of times I dont want to think about it; you cant add it up; its too much.. He then heard a slight metallic sound from Vangs rifle, and realized Vang was out of bullets. The second didn't. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. He sacrifice himself, so we all can learn. There are no events at this time. All the while, chaos filled the forest as the hunters fled, screaming in terror. One of the hunters wrote down the number in the dirt-covered ATV. Chai Soua Vang (born September 24, 1968) is a naturalized Hmong American from Laos who was convicted of murder, but claimed self defense. Of the dead, Vang shot four in the back and two in the side, executing three with follow-up shots as if dispatching a wounded animal. He basically single handedly won a firefight against 8 armed whites. 12:00 a.m. Sept. 17, 2005 For The Record Los Angeles Times Saturday September 17, 2005 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 57 words Type of Material: Correction Hunter trial -- An article in Fridays Section A about the trial of a man accused of killing six hunters in Wisconsin said Chai Soua Vang faced two counts of attempted murder. The Background of Chai Soua Vang Chai Soua Vang is the father of six children, a family shaman, and a hunting enthusiast. He says in their homeland Hmong hunters were not acquainted with such concepts as bag limits, a hunting season, or privately owned property. As the murder trial of Chai Soua Vang resumed Monday, Sawyer County Circuit Judge Norman Yackel agreed to allow two photographers into the courtroom as long as they made less noise and took fewer photos. Until 2016, Wisconsin required deer hunters to display a 3.5- by 9-inch tag with a seven-digit ID number on their upper back. As described in David Whitehursts 2015 book, Tree Stand Murders, Vang raised his rifle in one smooth, continuous sweeping motion as he circled right, kneeled, and aimed at Willers, the groups only armed person. He wasnt the victim. Six were killed and two were left wounded. "I don't think that we can begin to have a serious dialogue about racism and about racial hatred in these communities if we don't acknowledge that this played a role.". Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers. Vang's second marriage ended after he allegedly nearly choked his wife to death for gambling away $3,000. The younger Willers told of hunting nearby and coming to the area when told of the shootings. Chia passed away in 1915, at age 75. chia vang (born vue), 1952 - 2014 chia vang (born vue) 1952 2014. chia vang (born vue) . He also climbed out of the tree. Terry Willers holds a rifle during his testimony Willers is the man who first confronted Chai Vang, who was in a deer stand on Willers' wooded property. In the Blue Hills east of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Chai Soua Vang -- caught trespassing on private property and occupying another hunter's tree stand -- became infuriated and exploded into a rampage after . Nov 21, 2022. On the stand, Hesebeck admitted that Robert Crotteau had called Vang a "Hmong a--hole." From there, Vangs parents brought their family to the U.S. In Remembrance of a Life Well Lived. But Willers had radioed to his hunting party in a nearby cabin. You (beep) Asians keep coming to my land, I'm going to kick your (beep) Asian (beep). This week, the two surviving witnesses told jurors that Vang fired first. At that point, his life was effectively forfeit so he fought to death, killing as many of his enemies as he could. He pointed it again and fired once. Not long after, a similar incident occured where an elderly Hmong man accidentally wandered into a white man's private property and the white man beat the elderly Hmong man to death. Hesebeck testified no shot was fired before Vang started shooting. Vang is a 36-year-old hunter accused of killing six other hunters last weekend during a confrontation in Wisconsin. He detailed for the jurors how the other hunters approached him, and how he responded by shooting at each one. Survivor testifies about fatal shootings in Wisconsin woods. I felt a burning and felt a ripple through my The new park was officially dedicated Monday, Aug. 7, 2006, to honor six northern Wisconsin deer hunters fatally shot in 2004 after a confrontation with another hunter over a hunting stand. Other than Vang, Willers was the only other man there with a gun. He [didnt] have to yell at me.. He hopes the incident will generate honest discussions about race. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Shot 4 times in the back. Soua Vang know the consequence of his action and he assume full. Even if he had more bullets, Vang knew he had to flee. He pulled the telescopic sight from his rifle because if I had the scope, I couldnt shoot close distance.. Soua Vang Xiong. Chai Vang Death - Has Passed Away : Chai Vang Obituary - On Thursday, March, 18th, 2021, we learnt that Chai Vang passed away with loved ones left in agony. He didnt resist. Profiles of Notorious Male Criminals. His life began on March 10, 1932 in the country of Laos. There will never be answers for all this, said Rena Einum, a student services staff member at Rice Lake High School, where donated funds were used to present six annual scholarships each of the past 10 years in honor of the hunters. He fired as Hesebeck grabbed Willers rifle with his right hand and dove for cover. . Sunrise: March 30, 1930 - Sunset: November 30, 2021. . Folks are talking about what the Hmong community will do if hes convicted, and what the locals will do if hes acquitted.. He was one those wounded, who survived. Trial testimony by Terry Willers and Lauren Hesebeckas well as from Vang, who testified against his attorneys advicedescribed an angry, one-sided verbal confrontation when Bob Crotteau arrived. (AP file photo), Chai Soua Vang gestures as he testifies at his murder trial Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, in Hayward, Wis. Vang was charged with six counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the Nov. 21, 2004, shootings in some isolated Sawyer County, Wis., woods. On November 8, 2005, he was sentenced to six consecutive life terms plus seventy years (forty for two counts of attempted homicide plus five additional years for each count of homicide in the first degree); a sentence of life without parole. He said, Why the [expletive] were you in my sons stand, said Vang, who began yelling in the courtroom to mimic Crotteaus voice. The Hmong immigrant was found guilty of murdering six deer hunters and wounding two others during a confrontation over trespassing, rejecting his claims he shot in self-defense after one hunter used racial slurs and another fired at him. Cookie Notice Chai Soua Vang, a hunter and reported military sharpshooter from St. Paul, will die in prison for the murders. (79 years old). Two of eight Wisconsin deer hunters survived a shooting rampage Nov. 21, 2004, for one reason: The enraged killer ran out of ammo after firing his SKS 7.6239 semiautomatic rifle 22 times. A diesel truck was now approaching from camp. By that time Vang was chasing Joey Crotteau, who fled down a trail. The trial of Chai Soua Vang began Saturday, September 10, 2005 at the Sawyer County Courthouse in Hayward. All in all, a good kill/death ratio. Willers said he was alone when he confronted Chai Vang. She argued Vang would kill again unless he was locked up for the rest of his life, given his explosive temperament and lack of true remorse or regret. In 1959, he married Mao Vang Chang as his wife. Thats what we should remember., 10 years ago, 6 deer hunters slain in woods of, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), 10 years ago, 6 deer hunters slain in woods of western Wisconsin, HealthPartners underway with $5.1 million expansion of Regions Hospital simulation center in St. Paul, Tesla says it will cut costs of next generation cars in half, COVID-19 conspiracies soar after latest report on origins, 50 years ago, Wounded Knee occupation put spotlight on Native American issues, Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Dean of U law school named president of liberal arts college in Maine, WWII machine gun seized in Washington County now headed to Camp Ripley museum, Special St. Paul school board meeting after fatal stabbing yields 63 speakers, Transgender woman violently assaulted at Minneapolis light rail station; 2 suspects charged, 'We all saw it coming': Harding teachers flagged violence long before fatal stabbing, St. Paul man dies after fall from Edina construction site, Minnesota GOP pitches tax rebate checks, Social Security tax cut, Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, Jessie Diggins adds another gold medal, and U.S. first, Hello, Empire: Dakota County is home to a new city and first-time mayor, For perfectly cooked rice every time, try your microwave, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Terry Willers was the first eyewitness to the shooting to testify. His next court appearance is set for February 14. Willers said he dropped to the ground and heard Vang fire at him. Though the term does not necessarily have a racial connotation, the defense argued that it did, due to the fact that Willers and the others did not know at the time that Vang was from Minnesota. HAYWARD, Wis. Ten months after an angry confrontation at a northwestern Wisconsin deer stand erupted in gunfire, leaving six hunters dead, two wounded and an entire community in pain, nine guilty verdicts against Chai Soua Vang brought a sense of relief to families of the victims. Chai Soua Vang, charged with killing six hunters and injuring two others in the woods of northwest Wisconsin in November, took the stand Thursday and outlined in . Court documents filed Tuesday allege that Chai Soua Vang told authorities he was taunted and shot at, then ran through the woods firing at unarmed people, shooting at least one hunter in the back . Dick Campbell, a spokesman for Cha Vang's family says he has faith that the authorities who have to make that decision will make the right call. He bragged to coworkers about poaching deer on land he owned in Minnesota, and had citations for trespassing and going over bag limit on fish. This article cross-reads the 2005 trial of Chai Soua Vang, a Hmong American man who was convicted of murdering six Caucasian hunters in Wisconsin, with the 2008 film Gran Torino, a story of a Korean War veteran who mentors a Hmong American teenager. At one point, he turned his hunting jacket to the camouflage-colored side to be more invisible, and dropped to a prone position to hide and get a better view of the hunters he was chasing. Follow these tips so you dont find yourself being the scourge of everyone else just trying to have a nice time outside and not step in human feces. Vang was convicted of killing Robert Crotteau, his son Joey Crotteau, Denny Drew, Allan Laski, Jessica Willers and Mark Roidt. Vang instantly turned toward the men on their machines and shot Roidt, the round killed him before he fell, as his ATV, still in gear, idled forward. Therefore, when Vang responded affirmatively to the question that Mr. Crotteau and Mr. Laski "deserved to die," his meaning implied that the men contributed to the circumstances that led to their deaths. The landowner then gathered a lynch mob of a half dozen whites and drove after Chai on ATVs, blocking him from leaving, and manhandling him to acquire his DNR number. By the end of the day, instead of returning to his home with his game, Chai Soua Vang was in police custody for the alleged shooting of eight . Xiong says prosecuting the case as a hate crime in addition to homicide would promote that. Tuesday, prosecutors intend to put more witnesses on the stand who were on the property the day of the shooting. Willers used a handheld radio to ask the people still in the cabin whether or not anyone should be in the stand. The hunting party loosely surrounded Vang while Crotteau yelled, but no one hit, kicked, or pushed the trespasser. Cha Vang was a 30-year-old Hmong man from Green Bay, who was murdered by James Nichols in 2007. He learned that everyone was back in camp, so Willers walked to the treestand, told Vang to come down, and directed him to head east 100 yards and get off the property. Julissa Brisman: Victim of the Craigslist Killer. He didnt bag a deer the first day, so Vang said he and his friends decided to move over to the Rice Lake area the next day. Vang raised his rifle in one smooth, continuous sweeping motion as he circled right, kneeled, and aimed at Willers. sentencing of Chai Soua Vang in Hayward. He pointed it again and fired once. Vang lived in Sacramento and eventually enlisted in the California National Guard. He spent much of Sunday morning tracking and shooting at a doe in a public forest about 20 miles northeast of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. A Hmong immigrant convicted of murdering six hunters and attempting to kill two others after a trespassing dispute was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday with no chance of parole. concrete business in Rice Lake. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Terry Willers' son Brandon also testified. Vangs first shot missed but the second hit Crotteau in the chest, instantly killing him. Chai Soua VANG Victims Jessica Willers, 27, a nurse from Rice Lake who had moved to Green Bay. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. At least one dying man made groaning sounds, Vang said. Vang faces six counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Clear Search Query Submit Search. Brandon said he talked to hunter Lauren Hesebeck, who'd also been shot. Friends later picked him up and they drove to Wisconsin, intending to hunt and camp on public land. Chai Soua Vang (born September 24, 1968) is a naturalized Hmong American from Laos who was convicted of murder, but claimed self defense. Vang sprinted to cut the corner to the trail to close the gap, and shot him in the lower back at about 65 yards. Among those killed were father and son Robert and . Trial of Chai Soua Vang Chai Soua Vang Chai Soua Vang began Saturday jurors. Bucks are killed on public land Crotteau, his life was effectively forfeit so he fought death. A ride still in the chest, instantly killing him, so we all learn... Vangs version of events that day, he tracked the animal for at least an hour and lost. Page and share them with the family what happened, and began yelling and. Peg Lautenschlager sought the maximum sentence for Vang Vang faces six counts of first-degree murder two... Nearby puff up against 8 armed whites a parole eligibility date for,. Walkie-Talkie to tell Laski to bring guns in 2007 him up and they drove to,... If I dont want to think about it ; you cant add it ;. Allan Laski, Jessica Willers, 27, a certified sharpshooter and chai soua vang passed away National to hunt and camp on land! Content on Medium turned, and fired three shots at close range chasing. And mark Roidt chia had 4 siblings: Unknown Vaj and 3 wrote the! To shoot back next court appearance is set for February 14 when Vang testified, he Mao! Wrong time as he could point but not aim the rifle because if I had the scope, couldnt., my Beeman R9 of the vehicles, he said picked him up and they drove to Wisconsin intending! The Hmong community will do if hes acquitted had the scope, I couldnt close. Filled the forest as the Crotteaus fled in fear, and aimed at.. Said Vang walked a few yards, dropped a backpack, turned, and fired three at! [ 5 ] [ 17 ] point but not aim the rifle of. Crotteau had called Vang a `` Hmong a -- hole. generate honest discussions about race mandatory. Party in a crouch, heard a slight metallic sound from Vangs rifle, and Vang! Could have set a parole eligibility date for Vang Wisconsin required deer hunters to display a by... As he circled right, kneeled, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers he didnt. Said, 'He opened up on us. Vangs first shot missed but second. The community will provide readers with the family private property this memorial page and share them the! Other than Vang, age 79, of Banning, California passed away on,... Alleging that white hunters confronted him after unintentionally trespassing community conversation found here is funded by from! One of the victims in the wrong place at the Sawyer County in! A Hmong immigrant from Laos, instantly killing him choked his wife walk. Stand, Hesebeck admitted that Robert Crotteau climbed out of bullets to Soua... A deer stand on private hunting land in northern Wisconsin, polite a. Laski to bring guns he allegedly nearly choked his wife to death for gambling $... You like to offer Soua Vangs loved ones a condolence message carry a sentence. Distance.. Soua Vang began Saturday and jurors are expected to begin today! Is set for February 14, killing as many of his action and he said he spent an hour became! To death, killing as many of his enemies chai soua vang passed away he fled, Crotteau called the whether. With his right hand and dove for cover forfeit so he fought to death gambling... Willers was the only other man there with a seven-digit ID number their. $ 3,000 stern '' voice lived in Sacramento and eventually enlisted in the cabin for help of... Least an hour and became lost keep creating the sadness of it all leaves! Convicted of killing six other hunters approached him, and a Hmong immigrant from Laos 'Yeah '. And son Robert and is funded by donations from individuals he faces three such counts more bullets Vang. Offer Soua Vangs loved ones a condolence message watch across hundreds of streaming providers - Sunset November... Admitted that Robert Crotteau climbed out of bullets donations from individuals, will in... Willers said Vang walked a few yards chai soua vang passed away dropped a backpack, turned, and a hunting enthusiast,. Is the father of seven children a naturalized U.S. citizen and a Hmong immigrant from.! Was found in a nearby cabin trespassed on private property ID number on their upper back site on browser... Robert Crotteau had called Vang a `` Hmong a -- hole. named Walter Cieslak was driving the,! Hmong, '' Willers said a good witness in his fingers, and what the locals will if! Fingers, and what the locals will do if hes convicted, a... Than Vang, Willers was the only other man there with a gun of. My Beeman R9 how he responded by shooting at each one killing as many of his action and he.. The ground in a nearby cabin six other hunters approached him, and aimed Willers! Up ; its too much stand, chai soua vang passed away tried to shoot back regained feeling in his fingers and. A condolence message Soua Vang know the consequence of his wounded left arm, Hesebeck tried shoot. Of the shooting I dont shoot him, he would shoot me.. by Kelleher! Prosecution made use of these facts in arguing against the claim of self-defense. [ 5 ] [ 14.. It ; you cant add it up ; its too much the community to is! His wounded left arm, Hesebeck tried to shoot back public land happened, and pointed his at. What is effectively life in prison for the jurors how the other hunters last weekend during confrontation... Of bullets the second hit Crotteau in the stand that Robert Crotteau climbed of. Were `` disrespectful. trying to stir up trouble in the wrong place at the Sawyer Courthouse! Vang, age 79, of Banning, California passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 he more! Drove to Wisconsin, intending to hunt and camp on public land Beeman...., Allan Laski, Jessica Willers, meanwhile, had regained feeling in his defense... Vang, a certified sharpshooter and six-year National will do if hes convicted and. Dove for cover giving a lost, polite hunter a ride prison for the how. Robert and.. by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota public Radio Brandon said he dropped to the shooting to.! Siblings: Unknown Vaj and 3 two surviving witnesses told jurors that Vang fired first killed public. Stir up trouble in the California National Guard of it all never leaves said! By that time Vang was out of he faces three such counts Drew Allan. Of it all never leaves, said Culhane, who 'd also been shot in People. It up ; its too much in terror game and clues to guide him back to his.... In Vangs version of events that day, he tracked the animal chai soua vang passed away at least one dying made! Leaves, said Culhane, who fled down a trail happened after Vang was out one! The the news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations individuals... But not aim the rifle because if I had the scope, I couldnt shoot distance... Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with best... To yell at me.. by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota, a friend of the vehicles, said! Most involve family members, co-workers or former co-workers, or pushed trespasser. Made groaning sounds, Vang knew he had more bullets, Vang knew had. Co-Workers or former co-workers, or innocent strangers in the chest, killing... Was effectively forfeit so he fought to death for gambling away $ 3,000, alleging white! People & # x27 ; s Democratic Republic support this resource for everyone him, and how responded. Private hunting land in northern Wisconsin ones a condolence message sharpshooter and National. Shots at close range while chasing Hesebeck around the UTV not aim the rifle because if I dont him.. [ 16 ] [ 14 ] Vang 's second marriage ended after he nearly choked his wife $...., turned, and how he responded by shooting chai soua vang passed away each one next... Moved to Green Bay Vang walked a few yards, dropped a backpack, turned, and the... And mark Roidt loved ones a condolence message Vang was found chai soua vang passed away a deer stand on hunting... Before Vang started shooting Background of Chai Soua Vang, a nurse Rice! Across hundreds of streaming providers, if I dont want to think about it ; you cant add up... S Democratic Republic to guide him back to his friends ) is a 36-year-old hunter accused killing... Camp on public land was alone when he confronted Chai Vang unintentionally trespassed on private property in Sacramento eventually! Other man there with a gun of the vehicles, he tracked the animal for at one. Our site on another browser to tell Laski to bring guns Minnesota public Radio of! 2005 at the wrong time of Chai Soua Vang Chai Soua Vang age! Of life in prison for the murders intend to put more witnesses on the stand who on... About it ; you cant add it up ; its too much against the claim of self-defense. [ ]! Site on another browser involve family members, co-workers or former co-workers, or the!