Austin Police Rule Chinatown Shooting as Self-Defense, Family Disputes Narrative

Austin, Texas - Austin police have ruled that Hao Li, owner of Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings, shot and killed Chup Prum in self-defense during an alleged robbery attempt on July 24. Prum died from his wounds four days later.

Li claimed that Prum, 57, approached him with a knife outside his restaurant in the Chinatown shopping center. He reported the incident to the police, and no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

"He’s not somebody to rob someone. He’s not on drugs or anything. I know his character. That’s why it pissed me off that they said he was trying to rob a dude at a place (Chinatown) that he goes almost every day." — Chum Prum, brother of the victim

Chup Prum was described by his brother as mute, partially deaf, and a regular visitor to the area. Prum would spend his days at Barton Springs with friends, and his brother insists he was non-confrontational:

"He don’t mess with nobody. He don’t bother nobody...He’s not the type of dude to rob somebody. That’s not his character."

The family questions the narrative, as there were no cameras in the area, and Chup rarely approached strangers. The case is being treated as Austin's 37th homicide investigation of 2024.

Anyone with information can contact:

• Austin Police Department: 512-974-TIPS
• Anonymous tips: austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477
• A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest.