Friend: Woman Shot & Killed In Lake Hallie Was A 'Beautiful Soul'

LAKE HALLIE, Wis. (AP) -- The woman killed by a man who wounded her parents and fatally shot three of his family members is remembered as a "beautiful soul" who was kind to everyone.

Twenty-four-year-old Laile Vang graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 2013 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her friend, Melody Evans-Ermatinger, says Vang was happy and a go-getter.

Vang created a series of YouTube videos offering lessons in the Hmong language. A GoFundMe organizer Leni Sujin says Vang helped her parents with bills and chores.

Authorities say Ritchie German Jr. shot his way into Vang's home in Lake Hallie Sunday night, fatally shooting her and wounding her parents before taking his own life. Officials say German earlier killed his mother, brother and his nephew in nearby Lafayette. Sheriff's officials say German pursued Vang in text messages, but that they had never met.

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