A Wisconsin man has been convicted of three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in a retrial, bringing closure to a chilling case that began with a dispute over money and ended in a triple execution-style killing at a quarry.
Nya Thao’s conviction comes after a previous trial resulted in a hung jury. This time, the jury found Thao guilty of the murders of Peng Lor, Nemo Yang, and Trevor Maloney, as well as one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The case, steeped in betrayal, fear, and cold-blooded violence, has gripped the La Crosse community for years.
Booking photos of Nya Thao and Khamthaneth RattanasackNya Thao (left) and Khamthaneth Rattanasack (right) were charged in 2021 with the triple homicide in La Crosse, Wisconsin. (LaCrosse County Jail)
The $600 Debt that Led to Murder
The tragic events unfolded in 2021, stemming from a seemingly minor dispute. Prosecutors argued that at least one of the victims was suspected of stealing $600 from Khamthaneth Rattanasack, Thao’s co-defendant. This alleged theft became the catalyst for a brutal act of revenge.
Rattanasack, who admitted to using the murder weapon, initially placed the blame squarely on Thao. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 and is currently serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 35 years. His testimony in Thao’s first trial, where he pointed the finger at Thao as the shooter, proved to be a key element in the prosecution’s case.
Inside the Retrial: A Timeline of Testimony and Evidence
The retrial provided a detailed look into the complex web of relationships and events leading up to the murders. Witnesses recounted the chilling moments before the shooting, painting a picture of a premeditated act driven by rage and a thirst for retribution.
The Prosecution’s Case: Eyewitness Testimony and Forensic Evidence
The prosecution presented a compelling narrative, built on eyewitness testimony and corroborated by forensic evidence. A key witness placed Thao at the scene, claiming to have seen him execute all three victims with shots to the head.
The scene of the triple homicide at a quarry in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 2021. (Court TV)
This testimony was further bolstered by the recovery of a Glock handgun. Forensic analysis definitively linked this weapon to the casings and bullets found at the quarry, placing a crucial piece of the puzzle firmly in the prosecution’s hands.
The Defense’s Argument: A Bystander Caught in the Crossfire
The defense maintained Thao’s innocence, portraying him as a mere bystander caught in a horrific situation. They argued that witnesses were motivated by fear of Rattanasack, a man with a history of violence, and were therefore falsely accusing Thao to protect themselves. This strategy, however, ultimately failed to sway the jury.
Key Witnesses and Their Impact on the Verdict
Several witnesses provided critical testimony that shaped the course of the trial. Michael Lewko, a longtime acquaintance of Thao, claimed that Thao confessed his involvement in the killings while they were incarcerated together. Michael Vang, whose Facebook messages placed the victims at the quarry shortly before the murders, provided a crucial link in the timeline of events. Other testimonies detailed the discovery and forensic analysis of the murder weapon, solidifying the prosecution’s case.
Unraveling the Deception: A Closer Look at the Testimony
The testimony of Bridget Schlicht offered a poignant glimpse into the moments leading up to the tragedy. Present at the quarry, Schlicht believed the victims would, at worst, be subjected to a beating. Her account underscored the chilling escalation of violence that transformed a dispute over money into a triple homicide.
The Verdict and its Implications
The guilty verdict marks the end of a long and arduous legal battle. Thao now faces a significant prison sentence for his role in the horrific crime. The case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved conflict and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions.
Looking Ahead: Sentencing and the Aftermath
The sentencing phase will determine the precise length of Thao’s incarceration. The community now awaits the final chapter in this tragic saga, hoping for a just resolution that will bring a sense of closure and allow the healing process to begin.
A Community Grapples with Loss and Seeks Justice
The triple murder has left a lasting scar on the La Crosse community. The verdict, while delivering justice for the victims and their families, also highlights the complex issues of crime, poverty, and the desperate measures some individuals resort to when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
