7 Men Arrested in Fatal Stabbing at Block at Orange

Seven men who police say are Los Angeles County gang members have been arrested in the October stabbing death of a rival at the Block at Orange.

The killing led to heightened security at the trendy shopping center, which caters to teenagers and young adults.

Seng Ching Truong, 20, Nhan Phu Ung, 20, Tran Cam Liu, 22, Henh San Ho, 22, Long Khoi Ton, 22, and brothers Richard Vasak, 19, and Robert Vasak, 21, were in Orange County Jail on Friday.

They are being held in the murder of Hung Ly, 18, of Santa Ana, and the attempted murder of Ly’s fellow gang members Andrew Vu, 18, and Quan To, 21, who were seriously injured in the attack, authorities said.

The suspects were arrested Thursday by Orange police and members of the Orange County District Attorney’s gang unit during a search of the suspects’ homes.

Authorities released few details about the case, saying their seven-month investigation is ongoing and that other suspects are being sought.

Police said the two groups confronted each other inside Gameworks, a video arcade, the night of Oct 7. The confrontation spilled into a parking lot behind the AMC movie theater. When police arrived about 11:30 p.m., the suspects fled. Ly died at the scene.

Orange County Superior Court Judge James Stotler set bail at $500,000 for six suspects. However, he denied bail for Truong, who, police say, stabbed Ly. Truong also is charged with attempted murder in connection with the other two victims, and a special circumstance in the murder, which qualifies him for the death penalty, said DA spokeswoman Tori Richards.

Robert Vasak has two prior armed robbery convictions, authorities said. If convicted in the stabbing, he could be sentenced to life without parole under California’s three-strikes law.

The suspects are scheduled for arraignment June 22.

The killing led to beefed-up security at the outdoor shopping center, which is packed on weekend nights with cruising teenagers attracted by the arcade and an indoor skateboard park.

Police are looking more seriously at the possibility of gang violence at the Block, said Orange Police Sgt. David Hill. “Anyone who thinks they’re coming to commit crimes, they won’t get away with it.”