A popular Thai musician was fatally shot during a family celebration in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on September 21, in an incident that has shocked the local community and the victim’s fans in Thailand.
Nichanon Kittikroekphon, 34, known by his stage name Tswb Moua, was attending a gathering of about 30 people to celebrate recent births in the family when he was allegedly shot by his cousin, Lue Chang, 32. The shooting occurred in the backyard of a home on the 8400 block of Adair Avenue North.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, witnesses reported that Chang appeared upset and was seen speaking briefly with Kittikroekphon before the incident. Moments later, Chang allegedly told Kittikroekphon, “Today, you’re going to die,” before pulling out a handgun and firing multiple shots.
Brooklyn Park Police Detective Sergeant Dane Olson stated 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,” Olson said.
Several men at the party quickly subdued Chang and disarmed him while others called 911. When police arrived at the scene, they found Chang being held down by family members and recovered the firearm.
Paramedics rushed Kittikroekphon to North Memorial Health Hospital in critical condition, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Kittikroekphon died from multiple gunshot wounds.
When questioned about his motive, Chang allegedly told a witness that he shot Kittikroekphon “because he disrespected me,” according to the affidavit. However, the exact nature of the perceived disrespect remains unclear.
The shooting occurred in close proximity to several children, including a toddler who was reportedly standing within a foot of Kittikroekphon when the shots were fired. Miraculously, no other injuries were reported.
Chang was arrested at the scene and is currently being held at the Hennepin County Jail on a $1 million bond. He has been charged with second-degree murder and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 21.
The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local Hmong community and the Thai music scene. Kittikroekphon was described by the Hmong Talk Facebook page as a “rising star in Thailand’s music scene” who had recently moved to the United States to be with his brother.
Friends and family members paint a picture of Kittikroekphon as a talented artist with a bright future. He had reportedly moved to Minnesota in search of a better life and was expecting his first child with his wife, who had also recently immigrated to the U.S.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The Brooklyn Park Police Department has set up a dedicated tip line for this case and assures the public that all information will be treated confidentially.
Meanwhile, fans of Kittikroekphon’s music in Thailand and the United States have been sharing tributes and memories on social media, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this tragic event.
