On September 27, 2023, 50-year-old Xe Lor was fatally shot by her husband, 53-year-old John Waveng Her, in Chico, California. The tragic incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. in the driveway of a family member's home on the 2700 block of White Avenue, where the couple and relatives had convened to discuss their separation and potential divorce. As Lor was departing the meeting, Her retrieved a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol concealed under his jacket and shot her twice at close range.
He then attempted to take his own life, but the self-inflicted gunshot grazed his head. Despite his injury, Her managed to fire at least two more shots at his wife before family members intervened, disarming him and restraining him until police arrived. Lor was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Investigations revealed that earlier on the day of the murder, Her had retrieved the firearm from a hole he had dug to hide it, loaded it, and brought it to the family meeting. He confessed to detectives that upon hearing Lor express her desire to end their marriage, he felt compelled to kill her and then himself, stating he did not want to go to prison. Further inquiries uncovered a history of domestic issues; in 2021, Her had been convicted of threatening his family, resulting in a ten-year prohibition on firearm possession. Additionally, Lor had recently moved out of the family home and had filed for a temporary domestic violence restraining order just eight days before her death.
On February 21, 2024, Her pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Butte County Superior Court, expressing remorse for his actions. Subsequently, on April 3, 2024, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. The couple had been married for thirty years and had seven children, three of whom, including their nine-year-old, witnessed the horrific event. This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in such situations.
