2020 mass murder in Riverside County may be tied to Laotian gang
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - Four years after seven people were shot and killed in the Aguanga area of Riverside County, investigators continue to search for the suspects responsible.
On Friday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco held a press conference to give updates on the 2020 mass murder.
Just after midnight on September 7, 2020, several suspects stormed a home on the 45000 block of Highway 371 in what appeared to be a home invasion robbery of an illicit marijuana operation.
When deputies arrived on scene, they located six people dead inside; one was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Officials say several other people managed to escape unharmed.
Bianco said all the victims were shot while they slept.
Over 1,000 marijuana plants and several hundred pounds of processed marijuana were located at the scene. They have a value of up to $5 million. According to Bianco, no cash was found during a search of the area, leading investigators to believe it was a robbery for money rather than marijuana.
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During the investigation, officials said a dark-colored mid-sized SUV was seen leaving the scene. Investigators connected a similar vehicle to a person of interest. However, months later when they found the vehicle, it had been totaled and destroyed in a collision shortly after the murders.
All the victims were of Laotian descent and investigators believe they were victims of human trafficking.
They were identified as Khamphour Nanthavongdovane, 53, Vikham Silimanotham, 64, Phone Chankhamany, 54, Khamtoune Silimanotham, 59, Souphanh Pienthiene, 48, Thongpath Luangkoth, 47, and Samantha Sourignasak, 44.
Bianco said roughly 20 people had been residing at the illegal site.
During Friday's press conference, Bianco said investigators identified three people of interest tied to a Laotian criminal street gang out of San Diego.
Investigators are working to confirm their involvement in the case.
The sheriff's department is asking for the community's help to come forward with any information on the case or the three people of interest.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Victor Magana or Master Investigator Ryan Deanne at (951) 955-2777 or by email vmmagana@riversidesheriff.org. Individuals can also submit information through the Sheriff’s Office Online Tip Line.