Khamphour Nanthavongdovane, aged 53, was one of seven victims in a tragic mass shooting that occurred on September 7, 2020, in Aguanga, California. The incident took place at a remote property located on the 45000 block of Highway 371, which was later identified as an illegal marijuana grow operation. The victims, including Nanthavongdovane, were found shot to death in and around a small dwelling on the property.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported that the site contained over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana, valued between $1 million and $5 million, indicating a major organized crime operation.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was a targeted home invasion, believed to be carried out by gang members of Laotian descent from the San Diego area. Despite extensive efforts by homicide detectives, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved. Recently, investigators identified a suspect vehicle, described as a mid-size dark-colored SUV, which was used during the crime. This new lead has provided some hope for progress in the case, but the perpetrators have yet to be apprehended.
The mass shooting at the Aguanga property was one of several deadly attacks on illegal marijuana grow operations in Riverside County in 2020. The incident underscored the dangers associated with such illicit activities, which often attract violent crime. The victims, all of Laotian descent, were identified as Khamphour Nanthavongdovane, 53; Vikham Silimanotham, 64; Phone Chankhamany, 54; Khamtoune Silimanotham, 59; Souphanh Pienthiene, 48; Thongpath Luangkoth, 47; and Samantha Sourignasak, 44. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department continues to seek information from the public to help solve this case and bring justice to the victims and their families.
