LONG BEACH – A 76-year-old mother of 10, described as the matriarch of her Cambodian family, was found stabbed to death in her Long Beach home, authorities said Sunday.
A family member discovered the body of Leam Sovanasy in her home in the 1400 block of Peterson Avenue at 11:04 a.m. Saturday, said Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Lisa Massacani.
Sovanasy had been stabbed multiple times, Massacani said. Police released few details Sunday and would not give information on a suspect or possible motive.
Dozens of family members descended upon Sovanasy’s home in the heart of Cambodia Town, where she lived in a family compound. Sovanasy, her husband, Lek Lot, and a daughter shared one unit, while a son, another daughter and in-laws lived in three other units, family said.
While the family would not discuss details of the slaying, they were eager to talk about Sovanasy’s life and her struggle to come to the United States. “My mom was very inspiring. I can’t believe she took care of us all,” said youngest daughter Val Tubaces, 37. “She kept us together, and I love her for that.” Sovanasy is originally of Laotian descent but was born in Cambodia. Three of her children are deceased as is her first husband, who died of malaria, her daughter said. At the height of the bloody Khmer Rouge regime, the widow fled with her surviving seven children to a refugee camp in Vietnam. They eventually made it to the United
States, and lived in Carson and Norwalk before settling in Long Beach in the late 1980s.
A survivor of wars and loss, Sovanasy stressed the importance of keeping family together and appreciating the opportunities available in the United States.
“She taught us to appreciate everything we have here,” said her great-nephew, Lunong Si.
The grandmother of 25 was a devout Buddhist and well-known member in the Long Beach Cambodian community, but she also adopted some classic American traits.
“She was a huge Lakers fan,” said grandson Thom Phan, 33.
Phan said his grandmother was released from the hospital three days ago, after being admitted for high blood pressure. The family had been planning a barbecue Saturday to celebrate her homecoming.
Si said family from France and Canada are now traveling to Long Beach for the memorial service. In hard times, Cambodian-Laotian families traditionally come together, giving money, food or anything else needed, he said.
“We always come together in a time like this,” he said.
Anyone with any information is urged to call LBPD Homicide Detectives Russ Moss or Teri Hubert at 562-570-7244.
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