Vigil held for murdered mother in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was a murder that shook up the Hmong community in Fresno. Police said 22-year-old Xia Vang was having marital problems with her husband and that he stabbed her to death inside their home earlier this month.

Friday, friends and family organized a vigil for the mother-of-three. And they told Action News they want her death to stand for something.

Vang's family and friends chanted loudly for her to hear Friday night. Hoping that where ever she is that her soul can finally find peace.

"She's a good woman, and a good daughter, and a good girl. She only wanted better of herself," said Paula Yang, community advocate.

The 22-year-old mother of three was brutally murdered earlier this month. Police said her husband Chinnawut Vue killed her and then slit his own throat before driving to Hume Lake where officers arrested him.

The grieving process of many has only just begun

Yang, translating for Xia Vang's father, said, "He said, today as a father, he helped lift her from the ground so that she can be free with her spirit and soul-- to look after the children from heaven so they can reach their goals in life."

Friends said tensions had been rising between the couple the past few months. Rumors of an extra-martial affair involving Vang were taking a toll

Paula yang, who helped organize the vigil, says the outcome could have been different.

"Things happen, like everybody, relationships change, but they don't have a resource to go to," said Yang.

Friends said the couple never reached out for professional help. They hope this tragic story will inspire change.

"We don't have resources that are culturally sensitive to help console men and women. Like every race, we have marital problems," said Yang.

The vigil-- not only showing who Vang was but also what the Hmong community is not.

"We are not violent people, but this young man has lost it. And I'm sure his future too is going to be unknown," said Yang.

Vue recently pled not guilty to murder charges.

Vang's family said they are asking people for help to cover funeral expenses as well as clothes and other supplies for the three kids who are now orphaned.