Mongolian Boys Society gang members indicted in Fresno mass shooting that killed 4, say feds

BY ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

JULY 23, 2020 04:51 PM ,UPDATED 3 HOURS 32 MINUTES AGO


Three members of a Fresno gang were indicted by a federal grand Thursday for allegedly conspiring to commit murder by acting as lookouts during the Nov. 17, 2019 shooting that killed four people.

Indicted were Fresno residents Pao Vang, 30; Jhovanny Delgado, 19; and Johnny Xiong, 25. Federal officials said the men are members of the Mongolian Boys Society (MBS), a criminal organization active in Fresno and Visalia.


The three indicted gang members are alleged to be part of a seven-member crew that planned a shooting at a home in the 5300 block of East Lamona Avenue.


As friends and family gathered to watch a football game in the backyard, the alleged shooters snuck in and began firing.

Killed that night were Kou Xiong, 38; Xy Lee, 23; Kalaxang Thao, 40; and Phia Vang, 31; and six others were injured.


Detectives believe the gang members were avenging the death of one of their member’s brothers who was killed earlier in the day — although from accounts of family members of others, none of the victims were gang members.


Federal prosecutors have charged three members of the gang with conspiring to commit murder in aid of racketeering, a crime that carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

“Federal and local law enforcement are committed to stopping violent criminal organizations like this one,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to keep our communities safe from gang violence.”


The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has charged four of the gang members, Ger Lee, 27; Anthony Montes, 27; Porge Kue, 26; and Billy Xiong, 25, with special circumstances murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder.


The DA’s office has also added several enhancements including personally using and discharging firearms in the commission of the offenses and for committing the crimes for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang.


“In conjunction with the ongoing criminal case in the Fresno County Superior Court, today’s news that a federal grand jury returned an indictment is a testament to the hard work of the Fresno Police Department and that of our federal partners,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local...244450002.html