Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Thursday, August 14, 2008 3:12 pm

TMP Photo by Kelly Hite. Murder defendants Soubanh B. Sisavath, Lakky Phosy and Sisavonah Keomongkout listen during their preliminary hearing.

Four men armed with an AK-47 killed two men and injured a third man in an apparent retaliation over a disagreement three hours earlier, a Murfreesboro Police detective testified.

In statements to police, defendants identified Sisavonah Keomongkout, 19, of 1938 Stoney Meadow Drive as the one holding the AK-47 when it discharged, Detective James Abbott testified. The fourth defendant remains a fugitive.

Victims Land C. Vongsaphay, 32, of Antioch and Kousonh Luangrath, 36, of Riverdale, Ga., died from gunshot wounds when they were shot June 29 outside a Parkview Terrace home, the detective said. Third victim Bounsouang Bangphaxay survived. The party was in honor of one of the victims who planned to fly to Laos to bring his wife and children to the U.S.

Charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder were suspects Keomongkout and co-defendants Soubanh B. Sisavath, 19, of Cornelius Drive and Lakky Phosy, 31, of Sterling Street. Fugitive Somsack “Sack” Chanthala, 42, is wanted on the same charges.

Abbott testified as the only witness during a two-hour preliminary hearing Thursday in General Sessions Court. After his testimony, Judge David Loughry found enough probable cause to send the case to the October grand jury for possible indictments.

Assistant District Attorney Allen Hale asked Abbott details about the investigation.

Detectives first located Phosy who told them Chanthala got into an argument with people at the party on Parkview Terrace off Southeast Broad Street. Phosy said Chanthala threatened to kill people at the party and enlisted Phosy to get an AK-47 from an apartment at Tennessee Park Apartments on Mercury Boulevard, the detective said.

Telephone records showed Chanthala and Phosy got in touch with the two other defendants. They met at Nor’s Oriental Market on Bradyville Pike where Chanthala gave the AK-47 to Keomongkout. The four men rode in two vehicles to Parkview Terrace.

During a fight there, Phosy told police he was struck from a chair and knocked unconscious for a few seconds before awaking.

“He (Phosy) stated he saw bullets hitting the ground around him,” Abbott said.

In his statement, Keomongkout told detectives he fired several rounds in the air, then reported the recoil made him trip, “accidentally striking the people who were shot,” Abbott said. Vongsaphay suffered gunshot wounds to his head and arm while Luangrath suffered a gunshot wound to his chest. Bangphaxay suffered a gunshot wound to his stomach.

“No bullets were actually recovered from the victims,” Abbott said.

Sisavath told detectives he remained in the vehicle.

Keomongkout took detectives to an area on Southeast Broad Street where he reported they tossed the AK-47 into a ditch. The weapon was not found.

Sisavath accompanied detectives to an empty house on Veals Road off Bradyville Pike where he reported they stashed the AK-47. Detectives found nine casings but the assault rifle wasn’t found there. It has not been recovered. Rounds found under the house were consistent with the ones found at the crime scene.

Defense attorney Tim Hogan, who represents Sisavath, asked about evidence linking his client to the shooting. Abbott replied telephone calls and statements from the defendants linked Sisavath.

Assistant Public Defender Billie Zimmermann, who represents Phosy, asked about the AK-47. Abbott said the weapon was purchased in Georgia. He understood it was a semi-automatic rifle.

“You fire one round every time you pull the trigger,” said Abbott, who served time in the military and National Guard.

Zimmerman asked if anyone verified the AK-47 was fired into the air and Keomongkout tripped. Abbott replied “no” to both questions.

Defense attorney Derek Howard, who represents Keomongkout, asked about the fights.

Abbott said Chanthala started the fight.

All three defendants remain in custody on $500,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

People who know Chanthala’s location are asked to call Murfreesboro Police at 893-2717. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Chanthala. People may call Crime Stoppers at 893-STOP between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.