HAYWARD, Wis. -- The suspect in the killings of six Wisconsin deer hunters says they shot at him first.
Documents filed in court Tuesday reveal that Chai Vang, 27, told investigators that he was shot at first, after some of the victims called him racially derogatory names. Vang is an immigrant from Laos.
A judge set bail at $2.5 million.
Vang was arrested about four hours after the shootings Sunday, as he emerged from the woods with his empty semiautomatic rifle. Officials said Vang and the hunters argued over Vang's use of a hunting stand on private property.
Members of the Hmong community in St. Paul, Minn., where the suspect lives, held a news conference Tuesday to condemn the killings. Vang is a member of that community.
Vang’s relatives said they don't know what went wrong Vang’s relatives visited him briefly in a Wisconsin jail.
Vang's brother said he doesn't believe the reports about Vang, because he's "one of the nicest persons." His brother said, "Maybe something provoked him." He said Vang is a father of six and served in the U.S. Army.
A woman describing herself as Vang's cultural wife said she's "in shock."
A Minnesota lawmaker who's also an immigrant from Laos said reports that cultural differences played a role in the shooting are probably wrong. In her words, "He's probably crazy."
Police said the shootings followed a dispute over the use of a tree stand on private property.
A sixth hunter died Monday night from injuries suffered in the shooting. Two other people who were wounded in the attack remain hospitalized.
Two other people were wounded in the attack in northwest Wisconsin Sunday.
Authorities said the shooting happened after the trespasser, carrying a semiautomatic rifle, opened fire on the hunters and didn't stop until his 20-round clip was empty.
Although authorities do not know why he allegedly opened fire, there have been previous clashes between Southeast Asian and white hunters in the region.
Donations Needed For Victims' Families
Those killed Sunday are:
Robert Crotteau, 42
Joey Crotteau, 20
Al Laski, 43
Mark Roidt, 28
Jessica Willers, 27
Denny Drew, 55, died at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, late Monday night.
A fund has been set up for the families of survivors and victims of the hunter shootings in northwestern Wisconsin.
Contributions can be sent to:
Rice Lake Hunters Survivors and Victims Fund
Dairy State Bank
16 South Main Street
Rice Lake, Wis. 54868
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Sheriff Gives More Details
