Highlights from Testimony in Craigslist Murder Trial

The murder trial of Oakdale resident Dao Xiong, 20, that started Friday is still under way this week.

Witnesses for the prosecution testified Monday and Tuesday in the trial of the man 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.

Highlights from Monday’s testimony, according to a Pioneer Press report, include:

• Investigators testified that they found the hood of Lor’s car—decorated with illustrations of his four children and their favorite cartoons—in Xiong’s house.
• Investigators also testified they found a .40-caliber handgun in a closet in Xiong’s house.

Highlights from Tuesday’s testimony, according to an Oakdale-Lake Elmo Review report include:

• A video of detectives interviewing Xiong indicated he became upset after learning that Lor had died from the gunshot wound.
• Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Scott Mueller testified that Xiong sent a text message to his friend, Keng Koua Thao, that read “You want to kill a guy with me?”
• Kurt Moline, a forensic scientist with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said he tested the handgun police believe was used in the murder, and that its safety mechanism prevents it from firing unless its trigger is pulled. Xiong’s defense attorney has said he will argue that Xiong did not intend to shoot Lor, and the gun accidentally went off.