Thai music sensation Nichanon Kittikroekphon, also known by his stage name Tswb Moua, was tragically murdered during a family gathering on September 21, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The 34-year-old artist was attending a celebration for recent family births when he was shot by his cousin, Lue Chang, 32, in an altercation that has left both the local community and Kittikroekphon’s Thai fan base in shock.
The incident took place in the backyard of a residence on the 8400 block of Adair Avenue North, with approximately 30 people present at the gathering. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has filed a criminal complaint, citing witnesses who claim Chang seemed agitated and had a brief conversation with Kittikroekphon before the shooting.
Chang reportedly told Kittikroekphon, “Today, you’re going to die,” before drawing a handgun and firing multiple rounds. Brooklyn Park Police Detective Sergeant Dane Olson affirmed that Kittikroekphon was unarmed and did not pose a threat to Chang. “The victim fell to the ground after the initial shots, and the suspect fired a third shot into his back as he tried to crawl away,” Olson stated.
Men at the party swiftly disarmed and subdued Chang, while others dialed 911. Upon arrival, police found Chang restrained by family members and retrieved the firearm. Kittikroekphon was rushed to North Memorial Health Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. The cause of death, as confirmed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, was multiple gunshot wounds.
When asked about his motivation for the act, Chang reportedly told a witness that he shot Kittikroekphon “because he disrespected me,” as per the affidavit. However, the details of the alleged disrespect have not been clarified. The shooting took place dangerously close to several children. A toddler was even standing within a foot of Kittikroekphon when the shots were fired, but no other injuries were reported.
Chang was arrested at the scene and is currently confined at the Hennepin County Jail with a bond set at $1 million. He has been charged with second-degree murder, and if convicted, could face a prison sentence of up to 40 years. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 21.
The incident has created an upheaval in the local Hmong community as well as the Thai music industry. The Hmong Talk Facebook page described Kittikroekphon as a “rising star in Thailand’s music scene” who had recently relocated to the United States to join his brother.
Kittikroekphon’s friends and family remember him as a gifted artist with a promising future. He had moved to Minnesota hoping for a better life and was expecting his first child with his wife, who had also recently immigrated to the U.S. As the probe continues, the authorities are encouraging anyone with further information about the incident to step forward.
Meanwhile, Kittikroekphon’s fans in Thailand and the United States are sharing tributes and reminiscences on social media, reflecting the widespread impact of this tragic event.
