In the early hours of September 14, 2020, the life of 22-year-old Tyrone Phet of Lowell, Massachusetts, was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire. Phet, a former football standout at Chelmsford High School and a devoted father of two, was sitting in his car outside his Spring Avenue home with his German Shepherd in the passenger seat shortly after 1:00 a.m. when the vehicle was riddled with bullets.
He was struck eight times in the head, chest, and arms and was rushed to Lowell General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His dog was physically unharmed in the attack.
The investigation into the death of the male victim quickly zeroed in on potential suspects due to his known association with a local gang. Within weeks, the investigation led to the arrests of three brothers: Channa Phan, Billy Phan, and Billoeum Phan. Authorities alleged that the brothers, members of a Cambodian street gang known as “The Outlaws,” had driven to Phet’s residence with a score to settle. Investigators believe the murder may have been in retaliation for a shooting incident that occurred the previous day, targeting a home associated with the Phans' gang.
The brothers were accused of lying in wait for approximately 21 minutes before ambushing Phet. After the shooting, they allegedly fled the scene in a waiting vehicle. In the days that followed, Channa Phan reportedly took measures to dispose of the car used in the commission of the crime. The case against the Phan brothers was built on evidence including phone records, video surveillance, and information from confidential informants.
Roughly four years after Tyrone Phet's death, the three brothers stood trial for his murder. The prosecution presented over 100 pieces of evidence and testimony from an associate of the brothers, who testified against them in exchange for immunity. Despite the extensive evidence and lengthy testimony, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a deadlocked jury and a mistrial. A new trial for the three suspects is pending.
