Author’s Note: Each week, I will select Asian-American news deemed unique from a certain state and summarize the content and its media responses. This week, I focused on news coming from Sylmar, Calif.

News: There are more and more media reports of violence against Asian Americans, but no one, especially those with loved ones, expected this type of violence:

Heunae Chang, a 59-year-old woman from Southern California, died last week after her son, 25-year-old Phillip Chang, set her on fire, reported Robert J. Lopez of the Los Angeles Times. 

But this was no random crime. Phillip, according to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department, “intentionally set [his mom] on fire.”

Which makes you wonder: was Phillip’s immolation of his mother a premeditated attack, or were there additional, unforeseen factors influencing this fiery assault?

Angry Asian Man offers a social media response:  Damn. What the hell is wrong with people?

But what are your thoughts?

And while you contemplate your insights, think of this: would you ever commit a crime towards your family, if you cannot stand one of your family members?

Tags: violence