On November 26, 2023, 23-year-old Ryu Kai Her was tragically killed in a shooting outside the Sacto By Night Lounge in South Sacramento. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. as patrons were leaving a Hmong New Year celebration hosted at the nightclub. A confrontation involving gang members escalated into a fight in the parking lot, during which gunfire erupted, fatally striking Her and the club's owner, 51-year-old Binh Quoc Do.
Her, a Stockton native, graduated from Cesar Chavez High School and attended Delta College. At the time of his death, he was employed by the Stockton Unified School District. His mother, Mee Yang, described him as a beloved individual who enjoyed sports, fishing, and participating in his church's praise and worship team. She emphasized that her son was not affiliated with any gangs and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, witnesses reported seeing suspects flee in a white vehicle. The California Highway Patrol quickly located the car and detained its occupants. Multiple firearms were recovered from the vehicle. Among those detained were Kevin Thao, 19, Christopher Lin, 37, and a juvenile. Thao and Lin were later charged with weapons offenses; Thao received a two-year probation sentence with one year in jail, while Lin's sentencing was postponed for a year, contingent upon avoiding new charges. As of April 2024, no murder charges had been filed, with authorities citing insufficient evidence to directly link the suspects to the homicides.
The Sacto By Night Lounge temporarily closed for two weeks following the tragedy to honor the victims. Upon reopening, the club held a remembrance event, donating 50% of the night's profits to the families of Her and Do. Enhanced security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of patrons.
Her's family continues to seek justice for his untimely death, attending court proceedings and advocating for a thorough investigation. They remain hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable, providing some measure of closure for the loss of their loved one.
