The filmmaker behind a 2023 documentary highlighting racism among Asian Americans is warning that a trial will only retraumatize the boyfriend of New Mexico massage worker Sihui Fang, who was gunned down inside a spa in 2022.
"This trial is a joke if you ask me. This is a clear and cut case; just put these two criminals away," said Charlie Minn, who had met Sihui Fang's boyfriend during the making of his film.
Minn believes the trial will only reopen the wounds of many, including Fang's boyfriend.
"He has to be retraumatized and witnesses as well who worked at that complex," Minn went on to say.
Recent findings from the FBI show the number of Asian Americans who have been victims of violent crimes has increased exponentially between 2018 and 2022 in New Mexico.
In a statement from the Asian Business Collaborative, Kristelle Siarza Moon said,
"After mourning the loss of our AAPINH employees and employers in the massage industry, the trial brings up a sobering reminder of the gender-based violence, human trafficking, and massive language access challenges of running a business in New Mexico as an AAPINH individual."
A jury was selected, and opening statements were delivered on Monday afternoon as the trial began for Juan Carlos Hernandez, one of the two men charged in her murder.
Fang fought for her life that day in a shootout with Hernandez and the second suspect, Jorge Ramirez.
Ramirez was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery earlier this year, according to KOAT 7.
