Victim’s Family in Gang Case Blasts Authorities

Relatives of the slain father of the key witness in a gang prosecution blamed Los Angeles authorities Tuesday for not warning or protecting the family.

“The [police] down there already screwed it up by not offering us protection from the get-go,” one of the victim’s sons said from outside the San Jose home where 64-year-old Dong Dinh was shot to death Friday. “They didn’t tell us nothing.”

Citing a gag order, Los Angeles authorities refused to discuss why no protection was extended to Dinh, whose other son, an Asian Boyz gang member who turned state’s evidence, has implicated seven alleged gang members on trial for seven murders and 18 attempted murders in 1995.

Authorities disagreed over who is responsible for protecting witnesses and their families.

“The investigating officer will make a determination of the degree to which protection is necessary,” said Victoria Pipkin, a spokeswoman for Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti.

But Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Lt. Tony Alba said, “That’s not altogether true. We merely present cases to them. They’re the ultimate decision makers about whether protection is provided.”

Dinh’s death is the second time authorities suspect the gang has killed in an attempt to thwart a prosecution.

In 1996, another Asian Boyz member-turned-witness was gunned down the day before two other Asian Boyz were to stand trial on murder charges.