Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/04/08

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

MURDER CHARGES FILED IN WITNESS KILLING

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Quentin Glenn Russell, 24 years old, David Prak, 19, Sarith Prak, 21, and Preston Phongsuvane Khaoone, 22, all Santa Rosa residents, were arraigned this morning on charges involving the murder of Vutha Au, a witness in a pending case in Sonoma County court. The four men are charged with murder alleging two special circumstances: killing a witness to prevent his testimony; and committing the murder while active participants of a gang and to further the gang. They are also charged with enhancements involving the use and discharge of a firearm.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua said, "This killing is an absolute tragedy and we are committed to seeing that justice is done. This young man was willing to testify at trial in an attempted homicide kidnap case. He was in the California Witness Relocation and Assistance program and agreed to remain out of the area."

"Our community and the criminal justice system rely on witnesses to testify every day. In gang cases or cases involving intimidation or threats, we take necessary precautions to use all the local and state resources available to assure witnesses’ safety." said District Attorney Passalacqua.

Since the creation of the California Witness Relocation and Assistance program in 1998, our office has safely relocated 75 witnesses and family members. This program is voluntary, but it does require that individuals participating in the program follow all the guidelines, which includes remaining away from the area where they will be in danger.

Defendant Khaoone’s next court date is scheduled for March 10, 2008, for appearance of counsel. All four defendants will then appear on March 14, 2008 for possible entry of plea and discovery. The special circumstance allegations potentially make this a capital case. The Honorable Kenneth Gnoss presided over this morning’s proceedings. The defendants are currently being held in custody on no bail.