Home Invasion Ring Terrorizing Asians Confronted, Key Suspects Behind Bars

In a recent development in Washington state, law enforcers have apprehended two individuals linked to a wider crime syndicate specifically targeting Asian individuals. According to the case prosecutors and Snohomish County Major Crimes detectives, 28-year-old Kevin Thissel and 23-year-old Chris Johnson played a role in the fatal shooting of Irah Sok amidst a robbery operation in South Everett earlier this year.

The duo is currently facing an array of charges, which include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree kidnapping.

U. S. attorney Tessa Gorman emphasized the terror these men imposed on the community. She stated, “To create a climate of fear, these men burst into their homes in the middle of the night, dressed in black, claiming to be police, and with guns drawn.”
“Tragically, they shot and killed one young mother as her 7-year-old child lay next to her in bed. This indictment seeks to hold them accountable for the terror they visited on our community.”

Investigations into this home invasion ring persist, with police on the lookout for other potential suspects in connection with the syndicate.

Sheriff Susanna Johnson voiced the community’s anguish over this horrific crime, remarking, “This senseless act of violence deeply impacted our community, leaving a young child without his mother.”

Maren McKay, the communications manager at Lynwood Police, had previously provided some insights into the international home invasion ring following the arrest of two other suspects back in May. As per the detectives, the criminal gang would plant trackers on cars they noticed in parking areas of Asian grocery stores, then trail them back to their residences to carry out their robbery plots. The assailants target Asians based on their misguided perception of them being “weaker.”

McKay further disclosed, “We do suspect that we’ll have some arrests in the future. Unfortunately, detectives do believe that this might be an ongoing problem for the foreseeable future.”

Detectives from Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Lynnwood Police Department have attributed at least 300 burglaries in King County and Snohomish County since 2021 to this group. The stolen assets have been valued at a staggering $5 million, primarily consisting of cash and jewelry.

A news report from KCPQ-TV showcased the booking photographs of the apprehended suspects.

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

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