For Immediate Release March 4, 2009                                   
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia (781-897-8325)

Two Lowell Men Arraigned In Connection With 2007 Homicide

LOWELL - Two men were arraigned today in connection with the April 7, 2007 homicide of 16-year-old Vouthavy Phay at 168 Fletcher Street in Lowell, Lowell Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee and Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Savong Moun, 23, and Pahath Pheap, 20, were arrested last evening by Lowell Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Both men were arraigned today in Lowell District Court on charges of first degree murder. They pleaded not guilty and were held without bail. 

David Phin (DOB 10/23/86) and Roth Em (DOB 2/14/88), both of 75 Westford Street in Lowell, were arrested on April 8, 2007, and charged with murder in connection with the incident. Those defendants are scheduled for trial in Woburn Superior Court on Monday, March 9.

According to authorities, Lowell Police responded to a 911 call for a reported shooting at 168 Fletcher Street at approximately 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007. Upon arrival at the scene, police saw evidence of a crime scene and learned that Phay had been transported by friends to Lowell General Hospital prior to their arrival. Police responded to Lowell General Hospital where they observed Phay being transported into the emergency room suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Phay was later medflighted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and pronounced dead at approximately 5:30 a.m. on April 8.

Lowell Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Upon investigation, it was determined that the gunshots were fired from outside the house into the apartment where the group was gathered playing cards.

Phin and Em were arrested on April 8, 2007, in connection with the incident. Phin is the uncle of Em.

These charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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