On September 21, a notable Thai musician was tragically killed during a family event in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The incident has deeply affected the local community and the victim’s fan base in Thailand.
Thirty-four-year-old Nichanon Kittikroekphon, widely recognized by his stage name Tswb Moua, was at a gathering of around 30 people to honor recent family births when his cousin, Lue Chang, 32, allegedly shot him. The incident took place in the backyard of a residence on the 8400 block of Adair Avenue North.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office reports that witnesses observed Chang appearing disturbed and briefly talking with Kittikroekphon before the shooting. Shortly after the conversation, Chang allegedly said to Kittikroekphon, “Today, you’re going to die,” and fired multiple shots from a handgun.
Brooklyn Park Police Detective Sergeant Dane Olson confirmed that Kittikroekphon was unarmed and posed no threat to Chang. “The victim fell to the ground after the initial shots, and the suspect fired a third shot into his back as he tried to crawl away,” said Olson.
Several men at the event promptly restrained Chang and took his weapon while others dialed 911. Upon arrival, the police found Chang being held down by family members and they retrieved the firearm.
Kittikroekphon was swiftly transported to North Memorial Health Hospital in critical condition where he later died from his injuries. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office verified that Kittikroekphon’s death was due to multiple gunshot wounds.
When asked about his motive, Chang allegedly told a witness that he shot Kittikroekphon “because he disrespected me,” as per the affidavit. However, the exact nature of the perceived disrespect is not clear at this time.
The shooting took place near several children, including a toddler who was reportedly standing within a foot of Kittikroekphon when the shots were fired. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
Chang was arrested on the spot and is currently being held at the Hennepin County Jail on a $1 million bond. Charged with second-degree murder, he could face up to 40 years in prison if found guilty. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 21.
The incident has significantly impacted both the local Hmong community and Thailand’s music industry. Kittikroekphon was described as a “rising star in Thailand’s music scene” on the Hmong Talk Facebook page, having recently relocated to the United States to join his brother.
Kittikroekphon has been remembered by friends and family members as a talented artist with a promising future. He had reportedly moved to Minnesota in hopes of a better life and was expecting his first child with his wife, who had also recently moved to the U.S.
As the investigation continues, the Brooklyn Park Police Department is encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward and assures the public that all tips will be treated confidentially.
Meanwhile, Kittikroekphon’s fans in Thailand and the United States have been posting tributes and memories on social media, underscoring the widespread influence of this tragic event.