In the late morning hours of June 8, 2020, a young man of Thai descent named Thein Win, age 23, was fatally shot while sitting in his car just outside the city limits of Smyrna, Tennessee. Known for his kindness, athletic ability, and sense of humor, Thein had driven to Summertime Drive with two other male companions. Investigators believe he was there to meet with two individuals, but the meeting turned into an ambush.
While his two friends were left unharmed, Thein was shot and killed in what became a tragic and sudden end to a young life.
The sound of gunfire prompted witnesses to immediately contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. They provided a description of the vehicle the suspects were driving, a crucial piece of information that would quickly lead to a breakthrough in the case. A deputy spotted the vehicle shortly after the shooting on Pioneer Drive in Smyrna and was able to pull it over. The three occupants of the car were promptly detained and taken in for questioning by detectives.
Following interviews and the collection of evidence and witness statements, investigators determined that all three men were involved in the killing. The suspects were identified as Seth William Johnson, 18, Rasaan Amaru Wogoman, 19, and Yo Sincere Phomphanh, 19. All three were arrested and charged with felony murder for their roles in the death of Thein Win. They were booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and held without bond. A hearing for the three suspects was scheduled to take place in General Sessions Court on August 5, 2020.
