Family grapples with loss in shooting
By Stephen Magagnini - smagagnini@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, August 8, 2008
Story appeared in OUR REGION section, Page B1

Cheng Vang talks to reporters in front of his brother Ka Thao Vang's
home in south Sacramento on Thursday. Ka Thao Vang, a Hmong refugee
from Laos, shot his 16-year-old son Phong Vang on Wednesday,
critically injuring him, and then killed himself. The pair had clashed
over issues of respect, family members said.
RANDALL BENTON / rbenton@sacbee.com

Friends and family from throughout Northern California on Thursday
poured into the south Sacramento home where Ka Thao Vang hosted
parties, told jokes and raised nine children.

Shaded by two big trees, the home, once filled with joy, was drenched
in tears as everyone wondered what caused Vang, 54, to snap.

Vang, a Hmong refugee from Laos known for his generosity and
fastidiousness, took his own life Wednesday afternoon after shooting
his 16-year-old son Phong Vang seven times in the legs and back.