Souphanh Pienthiene, aged 48, was one of seven victims in a tragic mass murder that occurred on September 7, 2020, in Aguanga, California. The incident took place at an illegal marijuana grow site located in the 45000 block of Highway 371. Riverside County deputies responded to reports of an assault at the property around 12:33 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered six individuals who had been fatally shot and one woman who was critically injured. The injured woman was transported to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. All seven victims, including Souphanh Pienthiene, were of Laotian descent.
The property where the murders occurred was being used to manufacture and harvest marijuana illegally. Investigators found over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants at the scene. The operation was described as highly organized and indicative of major criminal activity. The victims were identified as Samantha Sourignasak, 44, Khamphour Nanthavongdovane, 53, Phone Chankhamany, 54, Thongpath Luangkoth, 47, Souphanh Pienthiene, 48, Vikham Silimanotham, 64, and Khamtoune Silimanotham, 59. Many of the victims were recent immigrants from Laos who were working at the grow site to earn money.
The investigation into the murders revealed that the incident was likely a targeted attack involving gang members of Laotian descent from the San Diego area. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, no suspects were immediately identified, and the case went cold. However, in December 2024, new clues emerged, including the identification of a mid-size dark-colored SUV believed to be involved in the shooting. Authorities continue to follow up on leads, but no arrests have been made to date.
The case has been classified as a home invasion robbery, although nothing was reported stolen from the property. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has urged anyone with information about the incident or the suspect vehicle to come forward. The investigation remains active, with detectives working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families.
