Wisconsin Man Found Guilty of Killing 3 People

A Wisconsin man has been convicted for the brutal murder of three individuals near a quarry, but what led to this tragic event?

At a Glance

Nya Thao, 37, convicted of murdering three men in Wisconsin in 2021.
Thao was found guilty of first-degree homicide and firearm possession.
Conviction follows a retrial after a hung jury in the first trial.
Thao’s sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2024.

Details of the Conviction

A jury has found Nya Thao, 37, from Onalaska, Wisconsin, guilty for the 2021 murder of three individuals near a quarry. Thao faced charges of intentional first-degree homicide after a three-week trial ended on August 13, 2024. Thao was also found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This marks the conclusion of his second trial, as the first jury failed to reach a verdict, resulting in a hung jury.

The sentencing for Thao is scheduled for October 14. The case centered on a tragic incident from July 2021, where three men—Peng Lor, Nemo Yang, and Trevor Maloney—were shot near a quarry entrance, approximately 14 miles northeast of La Crosse. This event has had a profound impact on the families of the victims and shocked the local community.

Wisconsin man convicted in killings of 3 men near a quarry https://t.co/x6xQnO9dQc

— KARE 11 (@kare11) August 15, 2024

Partner in Crime

Khamthaneth Rattanasack, who was also implicated in the murders, pleaded guilty to similar charges and received a life sentence earlier in 2024. Prosecutors argued that Rattanasack believed one of the victims had stolen $600 from him, which led to the tragic confrontation. During the incident, Rattanasack reportedly ordered the victims to kneel and handed a gun to Thao, who then shot them.

According to La Crosse County Sheriff John Siegel, the conviction of Thao “closes the door on a horrific crime not only perpetrated on 3 individuals, but our entire community.”

The conviction brings some sense of justice to the community as noted by Sheriff Siegel. Rattanasack’s sentence ensures that he will serve at least 35 years before he is eligible for parole. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented testimonies that painted a detailed account of the events leading up to the murders and solidified Thao’s involvement.

Key Testimonies in the Second Trial

Numerous testimonies were crucial in the retrial of Thao, including that of Michael Lewko, who claimed Thao admitted his involvement while they were held in neighboring cells. Additionally, key evidence involved Michael Vang confirming the authenticity of Facebook messages which disclosed the victims’ location. Bridget Schlicht provided a critical account of the events at the scene.

Accounts from law enforcement officers such as Lt. Michael Valencia, who recalled a wig being removed from Thao during his arrest, and Deputy Cody Ratkovich, who testified about recovering the firearm used, further corroborated the case built against Thao. The defense argued that Thao was merely a bystander, shifting the blame onto Rattanasack, who had the motive and a history of violent behavior.

Although Thao’s defense presented counterarguments, the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction. The verdict closes a tumultuous chapter for the Wisconsin community that endured pain and loss from this senseless act of violence. The sentencing of Thao in October will be a significant moment, potentially bringing further closure to the affected families and community members.