The Heartbreaking Story of Ka Lor and Yia Xiong

The Tragic Story of Ka Lor & Yia Xiong In August 2022, a heartbreaking tragedy involving Ka Lor, 30, and her husband, Yia Xiong, 33, shocked the Hmong community in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple had been together for approximately 10 years and were raising five young children. According to the St. Paul Police Department’s preliminary investigation, Yia Xiong killed Ka Lor before taking his own life. Their five children, ranging in age from 2 to 9, were home at the time, and one of the children called 911. In this episode, we look back at the lives of Ka Lor and Yia Xiong, their family, what authorities reported about the tragedy, and the questions left behind. Family members said they had seen no obvious signs of trouble beforehand, making what happened even more difficult for loved ones and the community to understand. This story is shared with respect for Ka Lor, Yia Xiong, their five children, and everyone affected by this tragedy. It is also an opportunity for our community to have important conversations about family, relationships, domestic violence, mental health, communication, and reaching out for help before a crisis occurs.