Trial of suspect accused of killing massage therapist begins in 2022

A jury was selected, opening statements were made, and evidence was reviewed to present to the jury. This story not only left a mark on the community, but also highlighted the horror that Asian American business owners had to endure. Fear – that was the response I got too often when I asked Asian American business owners about their experiences owning a business in New Mexico. The owner of Koda Bakery was so scared she didn't want to go on camera because she said her business was constantly being targeted and she felt helpless.Filmmaker Charlie Minn made a documentary in 2023 called “I Hate Asians” that highlights violence against the Asian American community. “I used to live in Albuquerque, I worked in the news there, it's one of my favorite cities, but let's face it, there are too many criminals living there ruining it for innocent people and families,” Minn said.Recent numbers from the FBI show that the number of Asian Americans who were victims of violent crime increased in New Mexico between 2018 and 2022. Although there was a slight decline in 2022, that same year a massage therapist in Albuquerque was killed in her business. “Everyone should know that you live in a city where an innocent woman was shot 10 times,” Minn said. Police said Sihui Fang fought for her life in a shootout with two men. She was shot and died in her massage business. On Monday afternoon, the trial of Juan Carlos Hernandez, one of the men charged with her murder, began. The trial reopened the wounds of many, including Fang's friend. “He must be re-traumatized, and so must the witnesses who worked in that complex,” said Minn, who met Fang's friend while filming his movie. “This trial is a joke if you ask me. This is a clear case; just put these two criminals away.” 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 is a sobering reminder of the gender-based violence, human trafficking and massive language barriers that come with running a business in New Mexico as an AAPINH member.” The second suspect was Jorge Ramirez, who was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, kidnapping and armed robbery. Fang's boyfriend is scheduled to testify in court starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Stay up to date with the latest news with the KOAT app, which you can download here.