The lawyers were retained Wednesday afternoon and spent Thanksgiving with Mr. Vang. Under Wisonsin law, they are not entitled to the police reports until after the preliminary hearing. They described the procedures. Vang will be advised of the charges tomorrow morning in the basement of the Sheriff's building--not in court. A preliminary hearing may be set. Bail can be addressed. They may or may not ask for bail reduction and may or may not waive the prelim.

The only hint at a defense strategy was this: The case is not a "who-done-it" but a "why-done it." Vang did the shootings. As to why, there may be a factual defense (as in self-defense, I'm assuming) or a legal defense related to mental responsibility. It sounds like the Hmong culture may be an issue in the case. The lawyers referred to those who died as "participants" in the incident--not as victims.

The lawyers don't know yet if they will move to change venue. They promised to defend the case with dignity and professionalism. They said they have been treated fairly so far and expect Mr. Vang to get a fair trial.

The lawyer for the Hmong community leaders said that Mr. Vang was a very respected and admired man in their community. They don't know what happened but they are grieving too. And they don't want to alienate the hunting community for which they have nothing but respect.

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