Police search for suspects following gang rape of student

Nika Megino

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Click here for the press release that contains pictures of the suspects

Sacramento police are looking for three suspects in connection to a 12-hour “gang” rape of a 19-year-old college student that occurred last month. It is not confirmed whether or not the woman is a Sacramento State student.

Police are searching for Toau Vang, 24, Yao Saechao, 20, and a 15-year-old boy, whose name has not been released by authorities because of his age. A reward of $1,000 is offered for any information that will lead to the arrests of these suspects.

Police have already arrested two other men in connection to this case.

The victim called police on Feb. 7 and reported that she had been raped by several men at the 6700 block of Fourth Avenue, according to a news release from the Sacramento Police Department.

Police spokesman Sgt. Terrell Marshall said the victim entered the apartment of one of the suspects because she had been acquainted with him before. The apartment manager of the complex could not be reached for comment as of Monday.

Marshall said the victim reported that the rape was a continuous act from the time she arrived on Feb. 6 until the suspects decided to let her leave around 5 p.m. on Feb. 7.

The following day, Feb. 8, Sarn Saechao, 25, and Chiem Saechao, 21, were arrested on suspicion of rape.

Marshall said the relationships between the suspects are unknown.

Marshall said the pair is being held on accounts of rape in concert and on several sexual assault crimes including sodomy.

The sergeant also said that the 15-year-old boy did not physically participate, but did watch the alleged rape occur.

Marshall said the suspects are members of a gang, but he said it was unclear whether or not the incident was a form of gang initiation.

“This kind of case is not common,” Marshall said.

“I haven’t had this kind of case in the nine years I have been here,” Marshall said.

Marshall could not confirm that the victim has left town, but said she is recovering.

“She’s doing much better,” Marshall said. “She’s healing.”

Vang is described as 5-foot-2, 120 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. “Vang” is tattooed on his right breats.

Yao Saechao is described as 5-foot-6, 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, and a large dragon is tattooed across his back.

The 15-year-old boy was described as 4-foot-10, 100 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, and an “M” is tattooed on one arm, and “P” is tattooed on the other.

Anyone with information regarding this case can call (916) 443-4357. Callers can remain anonymous.

Nika Megino can be reached at [email protected]