Gang members linked to seven murders at illegal marijuana farm
- In September 2020, seven people were murdered at an illegal marijuana grow in Aguanga, California.
- Authorities believe gang members involved in the killings were likely motivated by robbery rather than the marijuana itself.
- Efforts continue to find justice as witnesses fear retaliation, emphasizing the need for community cooperation.
In the early hours of September 7, 2020, a shocking crime occurred in the Riverside County community of Aguanga, California. Seven individuals, including five women and two men, were brutally murdered at an illegal marijuana growing operation. The victims were found at a remote property where more than 20 people lived in makeshift dwellings. Investigators have pointed out that the operation was part of a significant illicit marijuana manufacturing scheme, raising the stakes surrounding the motives behind the killings. Although marijuana sales were legalized in California in January 2018, the presence of an illegal market continued due to excessive legal taxes that pushed consumers towards illicit suppliers, making illegal operations more prevalent. Authorities believe that the killings were targeted and likely stemmed from a robbery for money rather than an intention to seize the marijuana crop itself. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated that those involved in these murders might have connections to a Laotian criminal street gang in San Diego. According to investigators, a mid-size, dark-colored SUV has been identified as a vehicle likely used during the commission of the crime. Law enforcement officials have encountered challenges during their investigation, asserting that fear and intimidation have kept potential witnesses from coming forward. Four years post the tragic event, investigators are still seeking information that could lead to the prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Authorities have encouraged the Laotian community and others in the area to aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice, as many in these communities continue to live in fear due to gang-related violence. There has been a significant push for cooperation from witnesses to remove these individuals from the community. Sheriff Lt. Saykham Iemsisanith expressed an understanding of why individuals might hesitate to engage with the police, noting the dire consequences of potential retaliation. The lack of progress in the investigation has weighed heavily on local authorities, who believe more could be done if witnesses felt safe enough to provide information. Despite having identified several persons of interest linked to the suspect gang, the evidence remains insufficient to move forward with the case, prompting investigators to maintain ongoing discussions around the environmental and social implications of the illicit drug market and its intersection with community safety.