Authorities suspect gang members of Laotian descent were involved in the tragic shooting deaths of seven individuals at an illegal marijuana growing operation in Aguanga, a rural Southern California town. The Riverside County Sheriff's investigators have identified a mid-size, dark-colored SUV believed to have been used during the killings in this remote community.
The incident, which occurred more than four years ago, resulted in the deaths of seven victims, all of Laotian descent. Six individuals were found deceased on the property, while another victim succumbed to her injuries at a hospital after being shot at the scene.
It was revealed that over 20 individuals resided on the property, which featured makeshift dwellings and a nursery. Authorities discovered over 1,000 marijuana plants and several hundred pounds of processed marijuana at the site.
Despite the broad legalization of recreational marijuana sales in California in January 2018, the illicit market persisted due to the high taxes imposed on legal marijuana, prompting consumers to seek more affordable options in the illegal sector.
Aguanga, a quaint mountainous community located approximately 50 miles northeast of San Diego, is known for its horse ranches situated along dirt roads. The investigation into this targeted incident is ongoing, with authorities set to provide further details at a news conference scheduled for Friday.
