Serious Charges Dropped in Rochester Murder Case
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - An Olmsted County judge has dismissed two serious criminal charges that were included in the filing of an unusual murder case earlier this year.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem filed the case against 35-year-old Long Vang in June, essentially accusing him of causing his longtime partner to kill herself last December.
Ostrem charged Vang with 3rd degree murder, 2nd degree manslaughter and a pattern of harassing conduct. The two had been partners for nearly 11 years. Ostrem says during that period of time, “ Vang subjected his partner to ever-increasing levels of domestic abuse.” Ostrem described the abuse as verbal, emotional, mental, and physical. Ostrem says the abuse led to a traumatic brain injury several months before her death.
Ostrem said the woman eventually “took her own life to escape the relationship. I believe Mr. Vang’s conduct directly contributed to the death of his partner. Mr. Vang was clearly aware of the precarious state of his partner’s emotions following her hospitalizations and he continued the relentless contacts until her death.”
Vang challenged the murder and manslaughter charges and Olmsted County Judge Debra Jacobson has dismissed both counts.
He is still facing the stalking charge, which is a felony. A plea hearing on that charge is scheduled Wednesday.
At the time of the filing of charges, Vang lived in Stewartville. He currently has a Rochester address.
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