Another Deaf Person of Color Murdered by Police

Beaten then Shot by Business Owner: Police Release Fake Story Justifying Latest Murder

Austin, TX

Austin police have said that once again, they have taken the life of an innocent deaf person of color. Chup Prum, a 57-year-old deaf and mute man, was brutally gunned down by the owner of Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings, Hao Li, on July 24. Prum died from his wounds four days later, and his killer walks free.

Li, who called the police after shooting Prum, claims that Prum approached him with a knife and attempted to rob him. This narrative is highly disputed by Prum's brother, Chum Prum, who knows his brother's character and disabilities. "He's not somebody to rob somebody. 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,” Prum's brother stated.

Chup Prum was a familiar face in the community, biking to the Chinatown shopping center daily and spending time at Bambu and other businesses. He was well-liked and had no history of violence. His routine included taking the bus with his bike to South Austin to hang out at Barton Springs with friends, a peaceful and beloved member of the community.

Prum's brother is rightfully angry and disputes the police narrative: "He don’t mess with nobody. He don’t bother nobody...Why would he wanna rob somebody, knowing that he’s gonna catch the bus there every day? It just don’t make no sense to me. He’s not the type of dude to rob somebody. That’s not his character."

The family was told there was no camera footage of the incident, a convenient excuse used by the police to cover up their atrocities. The investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been brought against Li, showcasing the blatant bias and injustice in the system.

Once again, a life has been brutally taken, and the police are quick to justify the murder with lies and propaganda. We demand justice for Chup Prum and will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.

Take Action:

• Contact the Austin Police Department and demand justice for Chup Prum: 512-974-TIPS.
• Submit anonymous tips to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program: austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
• Spread awareness and share this story on social media. Use the hashtag #JusticeForChupPrum to demand accountability and expose the truth.

Rest in power, Chup Prum. We will not let your memory be erased.

This is the 37th homicide of 2024 in Austin, and the numbers continue to rise. When will it end?