Minnesota comedian Tou Ger Xiong kidnapped, murdered during holiday in Colombia
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An American comedian and activist’s holiday in Colombia ended tragically after a fatal stabbing following a date with a woman he had just met.
Tou Ger Xiong, a 50-year-old from Minnesota, was visiting Colombia to spend the holidays with his family. He arrived in Medellín on November 29, where he would meet a woman he had talked to via social media. He set out to meet her on December 10, but he was ambushed by a group of men during the date.
Around 7 PM local time, Xiong contacted his friends and family, informing them that his captors demanded a ransom of $2,000 (8 million Colombian Pesos or £1,000) for his release, according to local news source El Colombiano. In response, Xiong’s family contacted authorities to secure his freedom.
Tragically, on Monday, it was confirmed that Xiong had been brutally murdered before the parties involved could reach a resolution. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether an attempt to escape played a role in his death.
His heartbroken brother Eh Xiong confirmed the passing and expressed unwavering determination to see justice served for this “heinous crime” by working with law enforcement.
“It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member,” said Eh Xiong.
“Tou Ger Xiong was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable.”
Investigation development
Authorities in Colombia discovered Xiong’s body in the La Corcovado ravine, bearing numerous stab wounds and evidence of blunt force trauma, according to local media reports. Additional bruises scattered across his body suggest a potential 60-foot fall into the tributary.
According to the city’s central office, Tou Ger Xiong’s murder marks the 27th violent death of non-migrant foreigners this year in the Aburrá Valley region, where the ravine is situated. This count includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and narcotic overdoses. In the previous month, three other foreign tourists, including two Americans, were also killed.
After finding Xiong’s body, investigators went to his apartment and encountered a woman attempting to take his belongings. She fled when questioned, and police have not captured her yet.
However, Xiong’s brother revealed that authorities have apprehended one individual suspected of involvement in his capture.
“They found some clothes, blood, you know, on the bag, and they were able to confiscate that and apprehend one of the suspects,” Eh Xiong told KSTP.
Remembering Tou Ger Xiong
Xiong, a Laotian-American comedian and educator raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, was chiefly remembered for his dedication to advocating for the Hmong community.
Xiong established “Hmong Minnesota Day” at the State Fair, showcasing their vibrant culture through music and performances. Xiong was named a Bush Fellow in 2019, recognising his dedication to social justice. He travelled the nation to share his “personal stories across the country to build cultural competency and address racial discrimination.”
In addition, Xiong hosted an online show titled “The Tou Ger Xiong Show,” where he shared his experiences as a refugee and resident of the Dunedin Hi-Rise, a low-income housing project in St. Paul.
With his involvement in the community, Xiong’s passing was also mourned by former state senator Mee Moua, the first Hmong American in a state legislature. She descri
bed him as a “one-of-a-kind modern-day hero,” and she was “weighed down with grief for my friend, my little brother, and my children’s Uncle Funny.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/comedian-tou-ger-xiong-travels-31660936
