GREEN BAY, WI (WLUK) -- Long Thao, 39, was charged on Monday with attempted first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly shooting his brother in the back during an argument early Saturday morning in a parking garage at the Oneida Casino. According to court documents and police reports, the incident occurred around 2 AM when Thao and his brother were drinking together inside the casino before leaving for the car park where the altercation took place.
The victim told authorities that after they left the casino, an argument broke out between him and Long Thao over past issues between them. During this dispute, Thao allegedly pulled a small chrome handgun from his vehicle, pointed it at his brother's head, and shot him in the back when he tried to walk away. The complaint states that Thao then drove off without further incident.
Police arrested Thao following a chase later on Saturday morning after tracking down his whereabouts based on surveillance footage and other evidence collected during their investigation. Upon arrest, Thao refused to answer questions from law enforcement officers and claimed he was too intoxicated to understand his Miranda rights at the time of apprehension. A blood draw was performed but no results have been released as part of the criminal complaint.
Thao faces five total charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a weapon contrary to court orders issued due to previous felony convictions dating back to 2016, along with more recent domestic abuse cases from earlier this year. As such, Thao was denied bail during his initial appearance before the judge who set a $750,000 cash bond for release.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun-related violence and repeat offenders within Wisconsin communities as well as enforcement of protective orders issued by courts to prevent further incidents involving individuals with criminal histories. Long Thao is scheduled to return to court on July 22nd where additional proceedings will take place regarding these serious charges against him.