Huu Can Tran and the 2023 Monterey Park Massacre
Background
Huu Can Tran was a 72-year-old former dance-hall patron who carried out a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, on January 21, 2023. The attack occurred during Lunar New Year celebrations in a community known for its large Asian American population. Tran murdered 11 people and wounded nine others at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio before attempting to enter another dance venue in nearby Alhambra.
Tran had previously worked as a truck driver and had lived in several communities in California and Texas. He was familiar with the ballroom-dancing scene in the San Gabriel Valley and had regularly attended the Star Ballroom Dance Studio years before the shooting. People who encountered him at dance venues described him as someone who sometimes presented himself as a dance instructor. Investigators examined reports that he had personal grievances connected to the ballroom, but authorities never established a definitive motive for the massacre.
The Star Ballroom Dance Studio Shooting
At approximately 10:22 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, Tran arrived at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on West Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park. The surrounding area had hosted a large Lunar New Year festival earlier that day, and people were still gathered inside the ballroom for an evening of dancing and socializing.
Tran entered the building armed with a Cobray M-11/9 semiautomatic pistol equipped with an extended-capacity magazine. The weapon resembled a compact submachine gun but operated as a semiautomatic firearm. Authorities later reported that Tran fired approximately 42 rounds during the attack.
The first shots were fired near the entrance and parking area. Mymy Nhan, who was sitting in a vehicle with her longtime dance partner, was struck and killed. Tran then moved farther into the ballroom and repeatedly fired at people gathered on the dance floor and elsewhere inside the studio. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as patrons dropped to the floor, hid beneath tables or attempted to escape through the exits.
Monterey Park police officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency call. They encountered survivors fleeing the building and discovered numerous victims throughout the ballroom. Ten people were pronounced dead at the scene. Other victims were transported to hospitals, where Diana Man Ling Tom later died from her injuries on January 22, 2023. Nine people survived with gunshot wounds or other injuries.
The Victims
- Valentino Marcos Alvero, 68 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California. Alvero was a Filipino American grandfather who enjoyed ballroom dancing and frequently visited the studio.
- Hongying Jian, 62 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. She was remembered by relatives as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
- Yu Lun Kao, 72 Killed on January 21, 2023, inside the Monterey Park ballroom. He was among the older patrons attending the evening dance gathering.
- Lilan Li, 63 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. She was a regular participant in the local ballroom-dancing community.
- Ming Wei Ma, 72 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, where he worked as the ballroom's manager and dance instructor. Witnesses and friends said Ma attempted to confront the gunman and protect others during the attack.
- Mymy Nhan, 65 Killed on January 21, 2023, near the entrance to the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. Nhan was a longtime ballroom dancer who had visited the studio for many years.
- Muoi Dai Ung, 67 Killed on January 21, 2023, inside the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. She was remembered as a caring family member who enjoyed dancing and spending time with friends.
- Chia Ling Yau, 76 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Monterey Park dance hall. He was one of the oldest victims of the massacre.
- Wen-Tau Yu, 64 Killed on January 21, 2023, inside the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. Yu was a former educator and community member who enjoyed ballroom dancing.
- Xiujuan Yu, 57 Killed on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. She was the youngest of the 11 people murdered during the attack.
- Diana Man Ling Tom, 70 Shot at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on January 21, 2023. She was taken to a Los Angeles County hospital and died from her injuries on January 22, 2023.
...
MEMBER ACCESS
Continue reading the complete case summary
Unlock the full case narrative, source links, videos, victim information, and member discussions.
Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/monthCancel anytime. Already a member?
Log in
