Family of Fresno woman allegedly slain by husband hold vigil

Local Hmong leaders and the family of a young woman allegedly killed by her husband earlier this month held a candlelight vigil at the family’s home in east-central Fresno on Friday night.

Xia Vang, 22, was found dead in her Fresno home by her mother on March 8. Vang had three young children with her husband, Chinnawat Vue, who was arrested in Hume Lake later that day. Police said they believe Vue killed Vang because she was having an affair and filing for divorce.

Paula Yang, organizer with Hmong Sisterhood of Fresno, had previously been contacted by the family to help in the couple’s relationship. She helped organize the vigil.

“We wanted to help (Vang) release her soul and spirit by coming to lift her soul and spirit from the home so she could be free,” Yang said.

About a dozen people holding candles gathered around a table decorated with flowers, candles and portraits of Vang. Vang’s parents teared up as they spoke in Hmong about their daughter.

“Her family had hopes and dreams for her to be a scholar,” Yang said. “Her life was short, it was taken away.”

Community leaders spoke on behalf of both families affected and provided support to those who gathered.

Dan Ronquillo, candidate for Fresno County District 3 supervisor, said, “I will be a strong ally with (Yang) and the community to come up with some way of answering this, so it doesn’t happen in the future.”

Traditional Hmong funeral services will be held for Vang from April 2-4.

This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Family of Fresno woman allegedly slain by husband hold vigil."