On January 15, 2020, Thao Ton, a 44-year-old Asian male, was fatally shot in Spicewood, Texas. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at the Spicewood Square Chevron convenience store on State Highway 71. According to the Burnet County Sheriff's Office, Thao Ton and Milton Kim, a 36-year-old male from Leander, Texas, were involved in a non-collision road rage incident that escalated into a physical altercation.
Witnesses reported that after both men pulled into the convenience store parking lot, an argument ensued, and Thao Ton began assaulting Milton Kim while he was seated in his car. In response, Milton Kim shot Thao Ton twice, resulting in his death at the scene.
Following the incident, Milton Kim cooperated with the investigation and had a valid Texas License to Carry at the time. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office issued an arrest warrant for murder, and the case was referred to the 33rd/424th District Attorney's Office for Grand Jury consideration. The evidence found at the scene undermined any claim of justification for the shooting, leading to the murder charge against Milton Kim.
In February 2023, Milton Kim submitted a guilty plea for manslaughter, a lesser charge than the original murder charge. As part of the plea bargain, Kim was sentenced to serve 180 days in Burnet County Jail, pay a $1,000 fine, and serve 10 years of probation. Additionally, he was required to give up his gun, refrain from contacting the victim's family, and complete a mental health evaluation and follow its recommendations. The plea bargain also stipulated that Kim could not be released early from probation.
The tragic death of Thao Ton highlights the dangers of road rage incidents and the severe consequences that can arise from such confrontations. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining calm and avoiding escalation in potentially volatile situations.
