On December 3, 1993, 18-year-old Lea Mek, a Cambodian refugee and member of the Asian Boyz gang, visited a pool hall in El Monte, California—a known gathering spot for his gang. Mek was armed with a .45 caliber pistol and had a history of weapons-related incidents. That evening, approximately twenty members of the rival Wah Ching gang entered the establishment. Tensions escalated as Mek reportedly attempted to intimidate the newcomers by glaring at them and displaying his firearm.
While some Wah Ching members chose to leave, others remained, leading to a confrontation.
The situation intensified when 19-year-old Chieu Luong Yang, known as "China Dog" within Wah Ching, seized an opportunity to tackle Mek to the ground. Yang, with assistance from fellow gang members, endeavored to drag Mek outside. In response, Asian Boyz members inside the hall attempted to defend Mek, utilizing pool cues as weapons. One individual even tried to shoot at the assailants, but his gun malfunctioned. During the struggle, Yang managed to confiscate Mek's pistol. Another Wah Ching member then entered and began shooting, causing panic among the patrons. Amidst the chaos, Mek was pulled outside but managed to break free, only to be pursued back into the hall by Yang. Ultimately, Mek was shot multiple times, including fatal shots to the head, leading to his death at the scene.
The entire incident was captured by four surveillance cameras installed within the pool hall, providing crucial evidence for law enforcement. Officer Greg Carroll of the El Monte Police Department was among the first responders, arriving to a scene filled with the lingering smell of gunpowder and patrons hiding in shock. The footage enabled authorities to identify Yang as the primary assailant. He was subsequently apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. Another individual involved in the shooting was also arrested and received a ten-year prison sentence after pleading guilty.
Mek's murder significantly heightened tensions between the Asian Boyz and Wah Ching gangs. Authorities believe that this event triggered a series of retaliatory acts, resulting in at least ten additional homicides in the Los Angeles area. Notably, six months after Mek's death, the Asian Boyz conducted a drive-by shooting targeting Wah Ching members at a San Marino High School graduation party, which led to the deaths of two Asian youths. The violent feud between these gangs continued to impact the community in the ensuing years.
