Woman who witnessed La Crosse County triple-murder testifies

Jurors at the Nya Thao triple-murder trial in La Crosse County heard testimony from a woman who says she was present at the 2021 shooting scene.

Bridget Schlicht testified that Thao fired multiple shots that killed three men outside a West Salem quarry.

Schlicht said she drove the shooting victims to the quarry, where she said Kham Rattanasack gave Thao the gun that killed Nemo Yang, Peng Lor, and Trevor Maloney.

During her testimony, Schlicht said she heard nine gunshots and saw one bullet hit Maloney in the head.

Thao and Rattanasack are accused of killing the men in retaliation for $600 allegedly being stolen from Rattanasack.

Schlicht says she was told to shut up or possibly risk being shot, as well. She reported the murders to police several hours after the crime.

The jury also heard from Michael Vang of Minneapolis, who said he has known Thao for several years, along with at least one victim since they were kids.

Rattanasack was scheduled to take the stand Wednesday but decided not to because he was upset about a family matter. He could be the first witness Thursday and may enter a negotiated plea in the case after the Thao trial is over.