Crime & Safety
Closing Arguments Expected Thursday in Craigslist Murder Case
Witnesses for the defense testified Wednesday.
Closing arguments in the trial of the Oakdale man accused of killing a St. Paul man for his car are expected to begin Thursday morning, the Oakdale-Lake Elmo Review reports.
Dao Xiong, 20, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing Youa Lor, a man he found through Craigslist, because he wanted to steal his car for parts.
According to reports from the Oakdale-Lake Elmo Review and Pioneer Press, the Washington County District Court jury heard the following testimony from witnesses for the defense Wednesday:
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- Xiong’s then-girlfriend Yer Vang said she knew Xiong was planning to steal the car—although she tried to stop him—however, she never heard him mention plans to take a gun.
- Xiong’s supervisor in the National Guard said he was dependable and trustworthy.
- Xiong’s brother, Kou Xiong, said he had asked him about the safety mechanism on the .40-caliber handgun kept at the family grocery store in the days before Lor was killed.
Witnesses for the prosecution testified on Monday and Tuesday.