Haing Somnang Ngor, a Cambodian‑born American actor and physician, was shot to death on February 25, 1996, in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. He was 55. Ngor, an Oscar winner for his role in the 1984 film The Killing Fields, had survived the Khmer Rouge and became an outspoken advocate for Cambodian refugees and for justice for victims of the regime.

On the evening of February 25 Ngor was returning to his apartment after visiting friends when he was ambushed in the parking lot and shot in the chest with a 9mm handgun. His wallet, with nearly $3,000, and his Mercedes were left at the scene, but an expensive Rolex and a gold chain with a locket containing his late wife’s photo were missing, prompting questions about motive.

Investigators arrested three members of a street gang identified as the Oriental Lazy Boyz: Tak Sun Tan, Jason Chan, and Indra Lim. Prosecutors said the defendants targeted Ngor for his valuables; the defense argued a possible political motive tied to his criticism of the Khmer Rouge, but the court found no concrete evidence of that. The case remains of interest to anyone who knew Ngor or who has information about the killing; please share what you know.