The woman who was beaten into unconsciousness outside a Santa Ana nightclub was a psychology graduate, aspiring writer and part-time fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, it was reported Tuesday.
The 23-year-old victim, identified by relatives as Kim Pham, remains on life support after the attack outside The Crosby Bar and Nightclub in the 400 block of North Broadway in downtown Santa Ana around 12.20 a.m. Saturday.
According to police, the woman was waiting to enter the nightclub with her friends when an argument began with another group of patrons. The argument escalated into a fight, which left the woman severely beaten, police said.
Investigators believe witnesses may have recorded or taken photos of the assault, and they asked for members of the public to come forward with any documentation from that night.
A local businessman said he was saddened to learn about the attack.
“I just think it’s really sad that on Friday night all these young people were down here to have a good time, and this incident happened,” James Kendrick said. “I mean it doesn’t make sense to me, and it doesn’t make sense to the community how a nice young lady standing in line can be pulled out of line and beaten up by five people.”
The woman’s loved ones put together a memorial of posters and flowers on an electrical box near where she was left unconscious.
The Crosby was assisting investigators and has posted a message on its Facebook page urging witnesses to contact authorities.
Representatives from The Crosby and Downtown, Inc., a group of local business owners and residents, announced a $5,000 reward in the case on Monday.
Agencies/Canadajournal