By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com
A nearly two-decades-long search for an alleged killer ended this week when authorities in suburban Philadelphia realized an assault suspect they had in custody was wanted for a 1991 double homicide in Sacramento.
Ricky Van Tran, 37, is accused of fatally shooting Quon Tran and Huy Nguyen, both 23, outside the Craven Club in the 5200 block of Stockton Boulevard on Oct. 25, 1991, said Sacramento police Sgt. Norm Leong.
A third man also was shot but survived. Tran faces an attempted murder charge for that man's injury.
Leong said detectives believe the shooting resulted from "gang involvement."
Authorities thought they had Tran in custody 15 years ago, but after taking the case to court realized it was Tran's little brother in custody, claiming to be his older brother, Leong said.
The case was dismissed and, on the same day, a new warrant was issued for Tran's arrest.
It finally came last week, when police in Montgomery County's Cheltenham Township arrested Tran during an assault call. After running his fingerprints, police realized there was a warrant out of Sacramento for Tran's arrest.
Tran, who was being held in lieu of $2.5 million bail, waived extradition and is awaiting the arrival of California authorities.
Leong said Tran is expected to return to Sacramento next week.
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