Colombian authorities have arrested and charged three individuals, two men, and a woman, in connection with the kidnapping and brutal killing of Tou Ger Xiong, a 50-year-old Hmong American comedian and activist.
Xiong's lifeless body was discovered near Medellín last month, prompting an intensive investigation by Colombian officials, as per The Independent.
The Prosecutor's Office has disclosed that the suspects, who vehemently denied the charges during a recent hearing, are facing grave allegations of aggravated kidnapping for extortion and aggravated homicide. Also, a minor who admitted to being involved in the crime has also been charged and moved to a specialized detention center for minors.
The US Embassy in Bogota had issued a warning a week prior, highlighting the growing trend of criminals in Colombia exploiting dating apps to ensnare unsuspecting victims, leading to assaults and robberies. The embassy reported being aware of eight suspicious deaths of US citizens in Medellín during the final two months of 2023, with several incidents linked to the use of online dating platforms.
Tou Ger Xiong, known for using his comedic talents to address issues of racial discrimination, had arrived in Medellín on November 29 as a tourist. Tragically, just 12 days later, his lifeless body was discovered in the Robledo area, northwest of Medellín. A report from the Colombian forensic science institute, cited by the Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that Xiong died from injuries inflicted by a blunt object.
The reconstruction of events by the Prosecutor's Office detailed a harrowing ordeal for Xiong. Held against his will on the night of December 10 in a Robledo apartment, he endured torture, beatings, and was stripped of personal belongings, including credit cards, a cellphone, cash, and a watch.
Yiri Milena Amado Sánchez, the sectional director of the prosecutor's office in Medellín, revealed that the captors demanded thousands of dollars from Xiong's family and a friend in the United States. Despite an immediate payment of $3,140 to a woman's account, Xiong was taken to a wooded area, beaten, and tragically thrown off a cliff approximately 260 feet high. His lifeless body was discovered on December 11.
The PayPal account linked to the financial transaction belonged to Sharit Gisela Mejía Martínez. Upon investigators arriving to question her, Mejía Martínez attempted to flee through a window, as disclosed during the hearing, according to CBS News.
Xiong Family Mourns Indescribable Loss
In response to Xiong's untimely death, his family expressed profound grief in a statement, describing the pain of their loss as indescribable. Born in Laos in 1973, Xiong's family sought refuge in Thailand after the communist takeover in 1975. After spending four years in a refugee camp, they resettled in St. Paul, Minnesota, which boasts the largest Hmong community in the US.
A schedule for the upcoming events to commemorate Xiong's life has been announced. Beginning on Saturday, January 27, at the Legacy Funeral Home in St. Paul, an event will unfold, starting at 1 p.m. The burial, scheduled for Monday, January 29, will be a private affair for family members only.
Reflecting the cultural traditions of the Hmong community, the funeral event on Saturday will include opening remarks and eulogy by Tou Ger's sister, Pangjua Xiong, followed by remarks from family and community leaders. The event will conclude with visitation, adhering to the customary three-day duration symbolizing the long and good life of the departed individual.
Tou Ger Xiong's tragic demise has not only left his family and community in deep sorrow but has also prompted an outpouring of emotion from various quarters, ranging from community members to high-ranking politicians.
Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her grief, referring to Xiong as an incredible person constantly working to uplift his community. Hundreds of mourners gathered at East Ridge High School in Woodbury on December 23 for a memorial to commemorate the life of this esteemed activist, KARE11 reported.
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