The story of Koua Fong Lee, the way his car hit and killed three people, his eight-year prison sentence, the time away from his family, the feeling that "this could have happened to me" — these were among the reasons more than 30 people protested Monday afternoon outside the Ramsey County attorney's office.

Lee, 32, is serving time at Lino Lakes state prison after his 2007 conviction for vehicular homicide. He was driving a Toyota Camry in June 2006 when it rear-ended another car at a high speed in St. Paul.

His attorneys have petitioned the court for a new trial, saying his car experienced sudden unintended acceleration. County Attorney Susan Gaertner has said he shouldn't get another chance in court.

"They've recorded it in their scorebook as a big win for their prosecution office," said Clair Smith, 59, of Roseville. But it was a big loss, he said, for Lee — a recent immigrant who spoke limited English at the time of his trial.

Roger Taoly said he came as a "concerned citizen."

"It could be you (in Lee's place). It could be me. It could be anybody," said Taoly, 38, of St. Paul. "I just want to make sure he gets his due process."

The protesters came from the cities and the suburbs, with children and friends. One man made a "Free Koua" T-shirt for the occasion.

"I'm a father, and it just seems frustrating to see what's happened," said Bob Finch of Golden Valley, who had the shirt made when he decided to attend the protest. "He was


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doing a good thing, he was coming home from church with (his family), he was being a father ... when something bad happened."
Trudy Baltazar of Cottage Grove, who does not know Lee or his family, organized the protest and brought 50 signs she had assembled on her dining room table. They said things like, "Free Koua," "Put Toyota on Trial" and "New Evidence Should = New Trial."

A few of Lee's family members joined in. Mai Her, 70, of St. Paul, said her husband is Lee's uncle.

"I feel so happy ... white people and black people supporting Koua," she said.

Gaertner did not emerge from her office during the protest. She said she understands why Lee's case generates sympathy.

"The folks that took time to protest his incarceration do so in my opinion with a good heart and the best of intentions." But, she added, the justice system cannot make decisions based on how sympathetic a defendant is.

Ramsey County District Judge Joanne Smith has granted an evidentiary hearing on Lee's request for a new trial; the hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

"I am confident that Judge Smith will make a responsible decision, a decision based on evidence and facts," Gaertner said.

"I really feel if it had been a relative of a rich person or Governor Pawlenty's son, I guarantee you the lawyers would have been top notch and he wouldn't have gotten eight years," said John Hathaway, 58, of St. Paul.

Emily Gurnon can be reached at 651-228-5522.

Toyota's clearly at fault...I feel so bad for Koua and the victims family...its such a sad case. I hope its a fair trial for Koua.

He shouldn't be serving an 8 yrs serving time from the beginning.

LOCKED Koua up! Blame it on Toyota! Always finding ways. Hmong people trying to be good one n there not.

i hope he gets out soon....

It's still a dark side if hmong mn don't come out and help him.  Why a new trail?  Why can't he stays off jail?  These may be questions for hmong people to think about.

Fundraiser for Koua:

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_15582424

Supporters of Koua Fong Lee, the Toyota Camry driver serving an eight-year prison sentence for criminal vehicular homicide, have organized a "Walk for Freedom" fundraiser for Lee's defense.

The walk will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday around Lake Como in St. Paul, with the group gathering initially at tables set up just south of the pavilion.

Lee, 32, was driving with his family in St. Paul when he rear-ended another car at an estimated 90 mph — fatally injuring a man and two children. He was driving a 1996 Camry. He testified at his trial that he braked but could not stop the car.

His attorneys have sought a new trial in light of reports of sudden unintended acceleration in Toyotas, though Lee's car was not among those recalled for the problem.

The money raised will go toward bringing witnesses to St. Paul to testify in an evidentiary hearing Aug. 2, said walk organizer Trudy Baltazar of Cottage Grove.

Baltazar said some participants will also collect gift cards for Lee's wife and four young children, ages 8, 5, 3 and 2.

A $10 donation is suggested. Water will be provided.

— Emily Gurnon

I will join your team.  I am driving from out of state

IF that wwas an issue on that car, it certainly sounds like toyota is at fault from what i know

feel sorry for him and his family's.. was driving home from work, listen to the hmong radio, they were talking about this case, almost bring me in tears. his kids dont even know him anymore

Toyota needs to re-check their cars...even the older models than the ones they claim may be having the acceleration issues.

My cousin's wife was telling me that a few years back, they were all riding in another cousin's Toyota car on the high way and all of a sudden the brakes didn't work but the car kept going and gaining speed.  There were 4-5 girls in the car and all they could do was scream. I forgot what they did, but the brakes eventually worked.

In the mean time, I hope Mr. Lee's family finds some justice!