Justice Delayed: Man Tied to 1994 Teen Murder Sent Back to Laos

A man involved in the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy in Philadelphia in 1994 has finally been deported.

Key Details

• Name: Bou Khathavong
• Deported to: Laos
• Date of Deportation: September 2

Background

Khathavong was part of a group that beat Eddie Polec to death on the steps of a church. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1996, with a minimum sentence of five years.

Legal Battles and Deportation

After his release, the government attempted to deport him to his home country. The process took many years, but he was finally deported in September.

Citizenship and Crime

• Citizenship: Laos and Thailand
• Role: Found guilty of helping to plan the crime
• Nature of Attack: Extremely violent, involving baseball bats and other weapons against an unarmed victim.

Government Statement

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency expressed hope that this deportation would help the family of Eddie Polec and the city of Philadelphia heal. They emphasized their commitment to justice and safety.