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New Details Emerge in 2020 Murders of Seven Laotian Immigrants in Aguanga; Authorities Investigate Gang Involvement
New developments have emerged in the case of a shocking 2020 murder that rocked the Coachella Valley community of Aguanga, as Riverside County investigators revealed fresh details about the brutal killing of seven Laotian immigrants. The murders, which occurred on September 7, 2020, were initially linked to an illegal marijuana operation, but authorities now believe the case may have been a targeted attack.
During a press conference today, investigators shared that the murders are being investigated as a possible case involving gang-related activity. Though no suspects have been formally identified, authorities have pinpointed three persons of interest tied to a Laotian criminal street gang based in the San Diego area. These individuals are believed to have been involved in the killings, though a clear connection to the victims has yet to be fully established.
“We have identified three persons of interest, and they are connected to a criminal street gang from the San Diego area,” said a representative from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families.”
The victims, most of whom were killed in their sleep, had been living on a property in Aguanga located east of Temecula, where more than 20 people were residing. The property, which appeared to be the center of a large-scale illegal marijuana operation, contained more than 1,000 marijuana plants and hundreds of kilos of processed marijuana. Despite the discovery of these significant quantities of marijuana, investigators were unable to find any cash, raising suspicions that the murders were part of a robbery for money.
“Generally, these types of operations are known to contain large amounts of cash,” said one investigator. “When we arrived, we found no cash, but we did find a large amount of processed marijuana still remaining. This leads us to believe that the murders may have been a robbery gone wrong.”
Over the past few years, authorities have uncovered new pieces of evidence that may shed light on the case. Investigators found documents written in Laotian, which could contain crucial information related to the killings. They also discovered a black van that could be connected to the crime. While the vehicle was initially linked to one of the persons of interest, investigators later learned that the van had been totaled and destroyed in a collision shortly after the murders occurred. As a result, authorities were unable to process the vehicle for further evidence.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The families of the victims are still seeking justice, and Riverside County officials are appealing to the public to provide any tips that could help close the case.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been able to uncover additional evidence and are still working to speak with more witnesses and family members of the victims,” the sheriff’s department spokesperson said. “If anyone knows something, we urge them to contact us and help us bring closure to this tragedy.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. Investigators have promised to keep the public updated with any new developments as they work tirelessly to solve this case.
Anyone with information related to the Aguanga murders is encouraged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at the number provided on the screen.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 3, 2025
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