On the night of July 25, 2014, a tragedy unfolded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that would claim the life of 32-year-old Jack Yang. He was a male resident of the city. That evening, Yang and his friend, 20-year-old Beelee Chang, were passengers in a car being driven by 23-year-old Do Thao. The three had attended a party where Thao had been drinking alcohol.
As they were driving near the intersection of West Lisbon Avenue and North 51st Street just before midnight, Thao, who had a concealed carry permit, opened fire inside the vehicle.
Yang was struck by gunfire in the back of the neck and shoulder. Chang was also shot. The car, a 1994 Lexus, subsequently crashed into a building. When law enforcement arrived at the chaotic scene, they found Chang deceased from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Yang was rushed to Froedtert Hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead the following day.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash and shooting, responding officers discovered Do Thao hiding in some nearby bushes in a fetal position. He was taken into custody and his clothes appeared to have blood on them. Thao reportedly told officers, "I had to do it, they ain't right," but later claimed he could not remember the events of that night. An empty gun holster was found on his belt, and the weapon used in the killings, a Ruger. 380 semi-automatic pistol, was recovered from the vehicle.
Do Thao was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon. During his trial, his defense argued that a combination of alcohol and a condition called sleep paralysis led to his actions and his lack of memory of the incident. Thao expressed remorse in court, stating that he never intended to harm his friends and that he carried the gun for protection due to crime in the area. The court proceedings were emotional for the families of both the victims and the defendant, who are all part of the Hmong community. Ultimately, Do Thao was found guilty and sentenced to 42 years in prison, followed by 18 years of probation.
