New details released into 'mass murder' of 7 at illegal marijuana farm in Riverside County
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Seven killed at illegal marijuana farm
It's one of the most important issues for any family-- feeling safe and secure in their own neighborhood. In a small Inland Empire community that safety and security was shattered when seven people were shot to death at an illegal grow house.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - New details are being released from an ongoing investigation into the shooting deaths of 7 people at an illegal marijuana farm in the Inland Empire four years ago.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff, investigators believe the Sept. 2020 "mass murder" in the 45000 block of Highway 371 in Aguanga, north of San Diego, was a targeted incident involving Laotian gang members from the San Diego area.
The seven victims who were shot to death in the apparent home invasion robbery were of Laotian descent, authorities said.
One of the suspect vehicles used in the crime has also been identified as a mid-size dark-colored SUV.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 7 shot to death at illegal marijuana grow in Aguanga
Investigators seized more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants.
At that time, sheriff’s deputies revealed they had seized more than 9,900 plants and collected 411 pounds of processed marijuana and firearms from suspected illegal marijuana sites in the Aguanga area in one month alone.
California broadly legalized recreational marijuana sales in January 2018 but the illicit market is thriving — in part because hefty legal marijuana taxes send consumers looking for better deals in the illegal economy.
"This risk is inherent in the underground market," said Los Angeles marijuana dispensary owner Jerred Kiloh, who heads United Cannabis Business Association, an industry group. "When you have money and high returns, people want to take that from you."
Kiloh said most illicit market crimes go unreported because illegal marijuana farmers who have been robbed cannot turn to authorities.
Large cannabis growing operations typically have hundreds of thousands of dollars of product at each site, making them attractive targets for criminals.
"That’s why the violence becomes worse and worse," Kiloh said.
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.
The Source: This story was reported with information from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. The Associated Press contributed.