Alleged Members of Asian Gang Plead Not Guilty to Killings
Five reputed members of a Southeast Asian gang accused of seven killings and other violent crimes in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys since 1995 pleaded not guilty in a Van Nuys courtroom Wednesday.
Known as the “Asian Boyz,” the gang primarily targeted rival Asian gang members, but also chose its victims among the Southeast Asian community, officials said.
Those pleading not guilty Wednesday were Bunthoeun Roeung, 20, David Evangalista, 22, Roatha Buth, 24, Ky Ngo, 21, and Son Bui, 20. Officials said two other suspects still are at large: Sothi Menh, 22, and Marvin Mercado, 23.
The seven suspects were indicted by a grand jury last month in connection with more than 30 offenses, including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy. The crimes include drive-by killings and attempted murders in Van Nuys, Northridge, North Hills and El Monte between April 14, 1995, and July 23, 1996, officials say.
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