Denver, Colorado — A mother and community leader was tragically shot to death on July 15, 2022, while unloading food from her car, forever altering her family’s life and the East Colfax neighborhood she served. Ma Kaing, 43, was struck by a bullet from a violent skirmish occurring nearby, marking a heartbreaking end to her dedication to her family and community.
On that fateful night, Kaing and her family were fulfilling a catering order for their restaurant, Taw Win Thai and Burmese Restaurant, which showcased cuisine from her native Myanmar. Her son, Kyaw Oo, recalled the harrowing moment as he held his mother in her final moments, promising to care for their family. In a letter read in court, he detailed the anguish of losing his mother and vowed to honor her legacy.
The shooter, 23-year-old Lu Reh, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his actions. He had previously been convicted of first-degree murder and 14 related charges. At his sentencing, he chose not to address the court, allowing the heartbreaking testimonies from Kaing’s family to speak for themselves.
Kaing’s murder sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing gun violence that has plagued the East Colfax area, predominantly inhabited by refugees and immigrants. Anthony Santos, a senior deputy district attorney, described the neighborhood as marred by violence, with shootouts becoming a grim reality for residents seeking peace and safety.
The incident that took Kaing’s life involved Reh and his accomplices, who indiscriminately fired over 40 rounds in a misguided attempt to settle a dispute. Fortunately, the chaos of that night did not claim more victims, though the community is left grappling with the aftermath of such senseless violence.
In a further twist of tragedy, Kaing’s family faced delays in emergency services. When her daughter called 911, the call was misdirected between dispatch centers due to outdated routing systems. Questions were raised about whether a quicker response could have saved her life, prompting public outcry and subsequent improvements in emergency technology.
The emotional weight of this incident extends beyond Kaing’s family. Known as a pillar of her community, she contributed tirelessly to local causes, serving on boards and volunteering at food banks. Her spirit thrived in the meals she prepared, which were laced with love and hope.
Kaing’s life was marked by resilience. After losing her oldest daughter to war back in Myanmar, she relocated her family to the United States in 2007, determined to provide them with better opportunities. Her dream of opening the restaurant was a testament to her dedication, and her pride in her children’s achievements was unwavering.
Her son, in his letter, poignantly captured the void left by her absence, asserting that her strength and values would continue to guide them. He pledged to uphold her memory and the dreams she nurtured, embodying her spirit with dignity and resolve.
As the East Colfax community mourns the loss of Ma Kaing, the fight against violence continues. The family’s struggles are a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless refugees seeking safety while serving their new communities with love and dedication.