Danny Bunthung, a 21-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, tragically lost his life on October 10, 2017, in a violent incident at a local liquor store. On that fateful night, Danny and his friend, Dallas Som, went to S & L Liquor and Market on the corner of Anaheim Street and Walnut Avenue to purchase beer and cigarettes. Around 9:25 p.m., a physical altercation broke out inside the store involving Danny, Dallas, and at least one other individual.
The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a quadruple shooting. Danny was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dallas succumbed to his injuries at the hospital shortly after. Two other men were also injured in the shooting but survived.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the altercation was likely gang-related. Authorities identified Morris Om and Savanna Sok as the primary suspects. Om, who was 30 years old at the time, was arrested on October 26, 2017, after being spotted driving a silver Lexus. During the trial, it was disclosed that Om and Sok, both gang members, had entered the liquor store simultaneously with Danny and Dallas, who were believed to be associated with a rival gang. A fistfight ensued, during which Om was pushed out of the store. He returned with a firearm and opened fire at close range, killing Danny and Dallas and injuring two bystanders.
Morris Om was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, felony evasion, felony possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor child abuse, as he had a child in the car during his attempt to evade the police. Om's defense argued that the shooting was an act of self-defense to protect Sok, but the jury found him guilty on all counts. Om was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison. Savanna Sok and several other individuals were also arrested in connection with the shooting, with some pleading no contest to their charges.
The tragic death of Danny Bunthung left his family and community in shock and mourning. A small memorial was set up outside the liquor store to honor his memory. Despite the convictions, the incident highlighted ongoing issues of gang violence in the area, prompting calls for increased community efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
