Tonyvan Mang, a 17-year-old Wylie resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, two days after he was shot at a Garland park.
On Friday, Aug. 28, his family and members of the North Texas Burmese community gathered at Calvary Chin Baptist Church in Garland to mourn him.
Garland police said Mang and a 20-year-old friend were both injured in a shooting at the park on the night of Sunday, Aug. 23. Officers arrested 17-year-old Reng Thlang Padom in Richardson at about 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25, the same day Mang died, according to a Garland Police Department statement posted Aug. 26.
Padom is charged with murder, a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. His bonds total $1.5 million. He is being held in the Garland Detention Center. No attorney for Padom has been identified in public records, and no statement has been made on his behalf.
Garland Police Officer Matt Pesta told WFAA that both 911 calls about injured people stemmed from the same incident. Police used the department's gang unit to help identify Padom but said there are no indications the shooting was gang-related.
The 20-year-old friend, whose name has not been released, was recovering as of Friday, according to family members who spoke to WFAA.
Family described Mang as quiet, loyal and health-conscious. His uncle Joseph Cung, a youth pastor, told WFAA that Mang had recently dedicated his life to God.
"He came up front and kneeled down and I prayed for him," Cung said.
Mang's aunt, Tuan Iang, told WFAA she was shocked and numb when she learned her nephew had been shot. The family said they believe Mang was in the "wrong place at the wrong time" and are still seeking answers about what led to the gunfire.
Despite their grief, the family offered forgiveness. Cung told WFAA the family forgives the accused. Iang said the family prays for the accused, asking God to "soften his heart."
The investigation remains active.




