ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA: A Minnesota man reportedly attacked his friends and killed two of them, including a gold medalist for the US kick volleyball team, before he took his own life.
According to Roseville officers, the suspect was identified as Meng Vang, 32. Vang was the resident of the apartment on the 1600 block of Eldridge Avenue where the incident took place Saturday, September 23.
Although there were no signs of conflict, Vang allegedly stabbed John Thao, 32, to death, and stabbed and shot Fong Vang, 32.
He also slit the throat of a third friend, Nou Xiong, 33, but the victim fortunately survived with a life-threatening laceration, according to the authorities.
What did the authorities say?
“Meng Vang’s death was ruled as a suicide caused by a gunshot,” the Roseville Police said in a press release.
Xiong reportedly texted his girlfriend about his fatal injury and informed her that he needed medical help.
The woman called in a welfare check, telling authorities Xiong had been hanging out with three of his friends at the apartment.
“According to Xiong, an unprovoked Meng Vang suddenly started attacking him with a knife,” police said, adding “Xiong was eventually able to escape to a bedroom to summon help.”
John Thao was a gold medalist
John Thao was also a gold medalist in the sport sepak takraw, or kick volleyball, and had played for the US national team.
“John was not just a son, brother, uncle, and friend to many; he was a shining example of kindness, selflessness, and unwavering support for our family and friends,” his eldest brother, Fongcu Thao, said in a GoFundMe campaign.
“His passing has left us heartbroken and we will forever cherish the beautiful memories and achievements he has left behind," Fongcu continued.
“Fong was such a kind, humble, and loving young man and it is devasting that his life was cut too short,” Fong’s family wrote in a separate GoFundMe campaign.
Police are still investigating to find out the potential motive for the crime. “Initial indications suggest hallucinogenic drugs may have been a contributing factor,” they wrote.
What did Meng Vang's older brother say?
“My youngest brother is a good man,” Meng’s older brother, Cha Vang, said in a statement, according to St Paul ABC affiliate KSTP.
“As far as I know, he and the other three persons were best friends since high school. They always hang out, do things together and keep things for themselves. Because they were best friends, I don’t believe my brother had a motive to do bad things to his three best friends and to himself", he continued.
"However, I believe that there must be some kind of bad substance that the four of them used that night to have caused this horrible tragedy. I’m devastated and also deeply sorry for the other three families,” he added.
Sai Xiong, who was friends with the four men, denied the possibility of any drug abuse, saying that the men preferred playing the Pokemon Trading Card Game. "You never suspect something like that and that’s why it’s so frustrating and shocking to me,” he told Minneapolis NBC affiliate KARE.
There were no prior indictments at the home or with Meng Vang
“Prior to this incident, there have been no police-related calls to the residence and no documented police contacts with the suspect,” officials wrote.
“There were no reports of any disturbance inside the residence the night of the incident," they added.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted by Saturday morning’s tragic events,” Roseville Police Chief Erika Scheider said.
“We will continue to investigate and hope to provide as many answers as possible for the families,” she continued.
