Denver, Colorado — The life of Ma Kaing, a mother, wife, and community leader, was tragically cut short when a stray bullet struck her during a casual evening in her neighborhood on July 15, 2022. As she and her family were unloading food from their car at the Hidden Brook Apartments, gunfire erupted from a dispute across the street, claiming Kaing’s life and leaving her son, Kyaw Oo, to hold her as she passed away on the sidewalk.
In a poignant moment in court, Kyaw Oo read a heartfelt letter detailing his memories of that fateful night, expressing a promise to care for their family in the wake of his mother’s loss. “I remember the second, every moment,” he shared. “As her eldest, I carry that promise in every breath I take.”
The shooter, 23-year-old Lu Reh, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after being convicted of first-degree murder and multiple related charges earlier this year. He declined the opportunity to address the court during his sentencing hearing. Denver District Judge Nikea T. Bland described Kaing as a beloved member of the community and an embodiment of the American dream, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew her.
In conjunction with Reh’s sentencing, two of his accomplices, Nu La and Swa Bay, pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder in July. A fourth individual involved, 20-year-old Pa Reh, is slated to stand trial later this year.
Kaing was actively engaged in her community, known for her warm spirit and generosity. The family was returning from fulfilling a catering order at Taw Win Thai and Burmese Restaurant, a dream Kaing realized just six months before her death. Her culinary skills showcased the flavors of her native Myanmar, and her presence was a source of pride for her family.
A refugee who fled violence in Myanmar with her husband and children in 2007, Kaing faced her share of hardships, including the loss of a daughter to war. The family settled in a Denver neighborhood rife with challenges, where many residents are refugees seeking safety and a fresh start. Anthony Santos, a senior deputy district attorney, noted the persistent violence in the area, particularly from disputes that escalate dangerously.
The aftermath of Kaing’s death revealed issues beyond the immediate tragedy. On the night of the shooting, her daughter dialed 911, only to have the call misrouted between dispatch centers, delaying emergency response. The family waited approximately 15 minutes for medical assistance, raising concerns about whether a quicker response could have made a difference.
Public outrage over the incident prompted changes, including improvements to cellphone call-routing technology for emergency services in Denver. This response illustrates a community driven to seek reform in the wake of preventable tragedies.
Kaing was deeply integrated into her community, serving on the board of her neighborhood association and volunteering at a local food bank. Her compassion extended to helping fellow refugees assimilate, sharing not only her resources but also her time and support.
In his letter, Kyaw Oo expressed the pride his mother felt at their educational achievements and her relentless pursuit of better opportunities for them. He vowed to honor her legacy, emphasizing that “her spirit lives in all of us,” with a commitment to uphold her values of strength and dignity.
The shooting that claimed Ma Kaing’s life is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle with violence that plagues vulnerable communities. As her family mourns, they strive to remember her not just for her tragic end but for the love and hope she instilled in their lives and in their community.