UP TO $1000 REWARD

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Escondido Police Department’s Cold Case Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of 30-year-old Phoutone “Taun” Lothirath.

On Halloween night, October 31, 1995, at 10:20 p.m., Phoutone “Taun” Lothirath was shot multiple times in the chest and back. This occurred at Lothirath’s residence, 1228 S. Upas Street, Escondido, CA.

The suspect posed as a trick-or-treater, by knocking on the residence door. Lothirath’s 10-year-old son, Eddy, answered the door. As Eddy turned around to get candy from the table, the suspect entered the residence, ordered Eddy to the back of the house and murdered Lothirath. The suspect wore a bandana partially covering his face.

The suspect fled the residence courtyard and was seen by a witness running to the alley. A dark blue or black import vehicle, similar to a Toyota, was observed leaving the alley directly after the shooting.

Evidence collected at the scene indicated two guns were used, one to murder Lothirath and a second to shoot into the residence from outside the front window. This could point to a second suspect being present during the murder. Further investigation suggested the suspect was probably known to Lothirath.

Anyone with information on this murder is asked to call the Escondido Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (760) 839-4974 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.

• Media inquiries about this case should be directed to Lt. Suzanne Baeder at (760) 839-4984 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
• Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531- 1500 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .