13 December 2023 , 08:10
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A comedian was kidnapped and brutually murdered while on a date with a woman he had just met on holiday - as his heartbroken brother blasted the "henious crime."
Activist Tou Ger Xiong, 50, visited Medellin, Colombia on November 29 and planned to spend the holidays in the country, according to his loved ones. On Sunday, he made plans to go out with a woman he just met online but during the date he was quickly ambushed by a group of men.
He was held hostage by the group as they contacted his family and friends and demanded $2,000 (£1,000) for his release. The family contacted police to try and save Xiong. However, on Monday, it was confirmed the comedian was brutally murdered before an agreement could take place. An investigation is ongoing on whether an attempted escape led to his killing.
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The comedian was on a date when he was kidnapped (Tou Ger Xiong/ Facebook)Xiong's body was discovered in the waters of La Corcovado ravine with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, according to local media. He also had bruises across his body which may have indicated it was caused by a 60-foot fall into the tributary.
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Investigators went to the 50-year-old's apartment after discovering his body and found a woman removing his possessions from his room. She quickly ran off when they tried to question her.
Eh Xiong, Tou's brother, confirmed the family is working closely with law enforcement to seek justice for the "heinous crime." He said in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member Tou Ger Xiong was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable.”
A group of men held the comedian hostageXiong was also mourned by former Minnesota state senator Mee Moua who remembered him as a "one of a kind modern day hero." "Shredded to pieces, weight down with grief for my friend, my little brother, and my children's Uncle Funny - Tou Ger Xiong," she wrote in a statement.
Xiong was a Laotian-American comedian, educator, and comedian who grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was known for his advocacy for the Hmong people, an indigenous group that lives primarily in Southeast Asia.
He was a much loved activist (Tou Ger Xiong/ Facebook)"This is a heartbreaking tragedy," Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a statement. "Tou Ger was an incredible person who was constantly working to uplift his community. My office is in contact with Tou Ger's family and the embassy in Columbia as they work to bring his body back to Minnesota. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
In addition, he also created the"Hmong Minnesota Day" at the Minnesota State Fair which involves Hmong cultural and musical performances. Xiong was named a Bush Fellow in 2019 for his social justice work who shared his "personal stories across the country to build cultural competency and address racial discrimination."