Spokane Judge Resentences Murderer to Life Term
A Spokane County judge has ordered a new sentence for 47-year-old Vy Thang regarding a 1997 homicide.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A judge has resentenced 47-year-old Vy Thang to 27 years to life in prison for the 1997 murder of 85-year-old Mildred Klaus. Thang will now be eligible for parole in approximately one year.
Why it matters
The resentencing follows a 2024 ruling by the Washington State Court of Appeals that reversed a previous 2015 sentence of 35 years to life. Thang was a minor at the time of the crime and will face three years of community custody upon his eventual release.
Thang has already served 26 years in prison for the murder of Mildred Klaus. He is currently 47 years old and will be eligible for parole in one year.
The players
Vy Thang
He is a 47-year-old inmate who was convicted of murdering 85-year-old Mildred Klaus in 1997.
Mildred Klaus
She was an 85-year-old victim killed during a home invasion robbery in Spokane.
Washington State Court of Appeals
This judicial body hears appeals from superior courts and reversed Thang's 2015 sentence in 2024.
The details
Thang was two months shy of his 18th birthday when he broke into the home of Mildred Klaus to steal money. During the 1997 crime, he threw the victim to the ground and proceeded to kick and beat her.
Timeline
August 29, 1997: Thang murdered Mildred Klaus.
1999: A jury convicted Thang of first-degree murder.
2015: Thang was resentenced to 35 years to life.
2024: An appeals court reversed the 2015 sentence.
October 28, 2026: A judge resentenced Thang to 27 years to life.
Legal Context
This resentencing follows a 2024 Washington State Court of Appeals ruling, reflecting shifting legal standards regarding life sentences for minors. It mirrors broader trends in the justice system to re-evaluate historical convictions of youth offenders.
The sentence requires Thang to complete three years of community custody following his potential release from prison. Residents should remain aware that parole eligibility does not guarantee immediate freedom for the offender.
The takeaway
This case highlights how appellate rulings can trigger the re-evaluation of long-standing prison terms for individuals who were minors at the time of their offense. Readers should note that legal precedents regarding juvenile sentencing continue to evolve through the court system.
Further reading
For additional context on the local legal landscape, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
