In a tragic turn of events at a Phoenix apartment complex, a gathering to mourn a loss became the scene of further sorrow. Ker Reh, a 53-year-old man of Burmese descent, was killed on April 28, 2013, during what was meant to be a peaceful prayer service. The somber occasion was disrupted when a group of teenagers attending the memorial had a confrontation with several individuals.
Seeking to calm the escalating situation, Ker Reh, along with 24-year-old Kay Reh, stepped outside to
intervene. Instead of finding resolution, both men were met with violence and fatally stabbed. First responders found them at the scene with multiple stab wounds, and tragically, their lives could not be saved. The two men were not related to each other.
The ensuing police investigation led to the arrest of two individuals in connection with the double homicide. Johnny Romero, 22, was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. A 16-year-old male was also taken into custody and faced a charge of aggravated assault. Authorities at the time indicated that they were investigating the brutal stabbings as a potential hate crime due to statements allegedly made by the suspects during the altercation. The investigation also continued as police searched for three other suspects believed to be involved in the incident.
