Two 32-year-old men from Minnesota were killed in a double-murder-suicide incident in Roseville, Minnesota, on Saturday, September 23.
The two men have been identified as John Thao and Fong Vang.
The attacker, identified as Meng Vang, also 32, lived in the home where the incident occurred.
Nou Xiong, 33, a third friend and a survivor of the attack, informed the police that Meng Vang assaulted him with a knife without any apparent reason. Xiong was able to flee to another room, from where he messaged his girlfriend, who then called 911. Police later discovered that the attacker, Meng Vang, had taken his own life with a gunshot after the attacks.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s office said that John Thao’s cause of death was due to “sharp force,” while Fong Vang died from “sharp force and a gunshot.” Both deaths were ruled as homicides.
Though a clear motive behind the incident hasn’t been identified, the Deputy Police Chief Joe Adams, mentioned that hallucinogenic drugs might have played a role.
John Thao, one of the victims, was known for his participation in the U.S. national team for the Southeast Asian game Sepak Takraw. American Sepak Takraw player Jeremy Mirken described Thao as a positive person who always had a smile on his face. He also remembered Thao’s athletic skills and how he assisted the U.S. team in qualifying for an international series. Additionally, Thao was known for his love of cars and was interested in acting.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated for Fong Vang to support his family with funeral expenses, describing him as a “kind, humble, and loving young man.”
Cha Vang, Meng Vang’s brother, expressed his disbelief over the incident, suggesting that some substance might have influenced the night’s events.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Roseville Police Department are currently investigating the incident.