Thao receives life sentences for three shooting deaths at La Crosse County quarry

Nya Thao has been sentenced to life in prison, with a possibility of release after 50 years, for a triple murder that occurred three years ago at a quarry near West Salem.

Judge Elliott Levine says the three life sentences for the shooting deaths of Nemo Yang, Peng Lor, and Trevor Maloney will be served at the same time. A jury convicted the 37-year-old Thao in August at his second trial. Thao’s first trial in 2023 ended with the jury deadlocked. A second man, Kham Rattanasack, allegedly gave Thao the gun and told him to shoot the three men because of a dispute over a $600 debt. The shootings happened in July of 2021, and Rattanasack avoided a trial by pleading guilty to murder charges.

Thao made a statement in court before being sentenced, where he asked for forgiveness and said he is “a caring, loving man.” He said he has fought “to defeat demons” and has tried to control his behavior.

During the court hearing, statements were made by Thao’s sister, along with Trevor Maloney’s mother, and by Bridget Schlicht, who witnessed the shootings at the quarry and testified at trial.

Judge Levine called the shootings a “senseless execution” which “shook the community.” Levine noted that Thao “gave in to the moment” and has shown little to no remorse for the murders.