Man Convicted For 2002 Rochester Murder Sentenced for Drug Crime

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man convicted of a murder charge for a gang-related shooting in Rochester more than 20 years ago is returning to prison for a drug conviction.

Forty-three-year-old Viengvilay Phetsomphou entered a guilty plea in April to a first-degree drug charge stemming from a 2023 investigation by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. According to court records, investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and members of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team executed a “knock and announce” search warrant at a residence in the 2000 block of Valkyrie Drive Northwest and seized three stacks of U.S. currency and more than three ounces of cocaine.

Investigators Linked Suspect to Drugs Through Facebook Photos

The criminal complaint against Phetsomphou stated that the drugs were found in the pocket of a gray sweatshirt that also contained a gold chain with a pendant. The court document says investigators also found multiple photos on the Rochester man’s Facebook account showing him wearing the same chain and pendant.

He was sentenced today in Olmsted County Court to just over six years in prison.

Get our free mobile app

Previous Conviction Tied to Fatal Rochester Gang Shooting

His previous prison sentence was for an aiding and abetting second-degree murder conviction. In that case, Phetsomphou was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle following a 2002 shooting that claimed the life of a 19-year-old Rochester man. Court documents indicate that investigators linked the shooting to an earlier brawl involving more than 100 members of rival gangs outside a Rochester restaurant.

More Minnesota News:

• 7 Pounds of Meth Seized from Rochester Apartment
• Man Sentenced to Prison For 'Dangerous' Rochester Police Chase
• Twin Cities Man Arrested in Rochester Underage Sex Sting