Modesto police arrest man in connection with Cambodian New Year death

Photo of shooting victim Chanthol Ouk provided by his family on Monday, April 14, 2008. Ted Benson/The Modesto Bee

Flowers and incense sift near where Channel Ouk, a father of four, was shot while visiting Modesto over the weekend. Modesto Bee - Bart Ah You

By BEE STAFF REPORTS
April 23, 2008

Modesto police have arrested the man they suspect killed a 43-year-old man celebrating Cambodian New Year in west Modesto two weeks ago.

Sarath Prak, 18, was apprehended following an outpouring of tips from west Modesto residents of Cambodian descent, according to a police news release.

Prak is in custody on suspicion of shooting Chanthol Ouk of Long Beach, who was visiting friends for the New Year celebration near Paradise Road and Chicago Avenue. Prak also was charged with attempted murder and participating in criminal street gang.

Ouk reportedly was a bystander caught in the middle of gunfire between rival gangs on April 13.
Police also arrested two males who allegedly helped Prak conceal evidence and avoid arrest. One was a 17-year-old boy whose name was not disclosed. The other was Sophea Sam, 26.

Michael Sedra, 21, was arrested at his home in Modesto and charged with being an accessory to murder and participation in a criminal street gang.

Police are looking for Kao Phompong, 23, of Modesto. Phompong allegedly drove the car from which Prak fired a gun.

Police also said that Dominic Souphaphone, 18, was arrested on a parole violation while they carried out search warrants in the investigation.

Sophea Sam, 26.

Sarath Prak

Kao Phompong

Michael Sedra, 21-years-old was arrested at his home in Modesto and was charged with being an accessory to murder and participation in a criminal street gang.