California police have arrested a Vietnamese American woman accused of being an accomplice in a bar shooting that left two people of Vietnamese descent dead. Tran Kim Thao, 25, was taken into custody by Elk Grove City police in Sacramento County on Wednesday.
Suspect Tran Kim Thao in a deadly shooting case in the U.S. Photo by Elk Grove Police Department
She is suspected of aiding her American boyfriend, Roderick Randall, 43, in the shooting that took place at Z Town Gastro bar on Elk Grove Florin Road last weekend. According to reports, Randall opened fire at the bar around 1:30 a.m. on November 2, hitting four men. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the first victim, 18-year-old Huynh Kim Kha, dead. A second victim, 34-year-old Vo Minh Phuc, died at a hospital on Thursday.
All four victims were men; one of them reportedly drove himself to the hospital, as reported by local news outlets. Police identified Randall, a Sacramento resident, as the suspect late Monday. They believe the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between Randall and one of the victims, although the nature of Randall’s relationship with the victims is currently unknown.
Suspect Roderick Randall. Photo by Elk Grove Police Department
Randall remains at large, and police have warned that he is armed and dangerous, urging the public to provide any information. Thao is currently in custody and is not eligible for bail. Prosecutors stated that Randall has a criminal history spanning more than 20 years, including charges such as attempted murder, procuring underage prostitution, and theft. He was sentenced to 88 years in prison for attempted murder in 2014 but was released early under the 2019 criminal justice reform law.
Details of the Shooting
The incident occurred at the Z Town Gastro bar, a popular spot in the Elk Grove area. The shooting took place during a time when the bar was likely to be busy, adding to the chaos and danger faced by patrons. Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances that led to the confrontation between Randall and the victims. However, initial reports suggest that the conflict may have been personal or related to a disagreement that escalated quickly.
The Victims
The two victims who died in the incident were both of Vietnamese descent. Huynh Kim Kha, 18, was the first to be found dead at the scene, while Vo Minh Phuc, 34, succumbed to his injuries later. The other two individuals who were shot are currently in critical condition, though their identities have not been disclosed publicly. Local authorities are working closely with medical professionals to determine the full extent of the injuries and to provide necessary care.
The Suspects
Roderick Randall, the primary suspect, has a long history of criminal activity. His record includes multiple charges, some of which are serious and have resulted in significant prison sentences. Despite being released early due to recent criminal justice reforms, his actions in this case have raised concerns about his potential for further violence. Police have issued a warning to the public, advising them to remain cautious and report any sightings of Randall.
Tran Kim Thao, the woman arrested in connection with the incident, is believed to have played a role in aiding Randall. While the exact nature of her involvement is still under investigation, she is currently in custody and cannot be released on bail. Law enforcement officials are working to determine the full extent of her knowledge and actions in relation to the shooting.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, with a focus on understanding the motivations behind the shooting and identifying any other potential suspects. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that could help bring those responsible to justice. Local leaders and community organizations have also expressed concern over the incident and are calling for increased safety measures in the area.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims are receiving support from local authorities and community members. The tragedy has sparked conversations about gun violence, mental health, and the need for stronger community ties to prevent such incidents in the future.