CHINO HILLS, Calif. , A murder charge was filed Monday against the surviving suspect in the kidnapping and killing of a Chino Hills man, authorities said.
Jianquan Bo, 66, the brother of the shooting suspect, was a passenger in the vehicle during the incident and now faces a murder charge.
Officials released few details about a possible motive but described the suspect and victim, identified as Shukur Aikebaer, as business associates. They said the suspect may have grown frustrated with how part of the business was being run.
Details on Chino Hills kidnapping-murder case
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Aikebaer was kidnapped last week by his business partner. The suspect, identified as 67-year-old Zhengfeng Bo, led deputies on a brief pursuit before opening fire on Aikebaer, investigators said.
Deputies then shot and killed Zhengfeng Bo. Jianquan Bo, the passenger, was arrested and charged.
“One of the things that can be confusing to the public is … how can the passenger who gets out of the car be charged with murder?” San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said during a Monday press conference. “That’s the concept and the theory of felony murder. We allege that [Jianquan Bo] knew exactly what the plan was when they went to the victim’s home. What was going to be done, participated in, what led up to the death of Mr. Shukur, and that’s why we file murder charges against the surviving suspect.”
Jianquan Bo remained in custody without bail as of Monday’s news conference. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at a Rancho Cucamonga courthouse.
Officials also said a special circumstance allegation was filed, alleging the killing occurred during a kidnapping. Authorities said that allegation could leave open the possibility of the case being pursued as a death penalty case.
How did the kidnapping and deadly shooting unfold?
The deadly incident began Wednesday night after the power to Aikebaer’s home on Monteverde Drive went out. When he came outside to inspect his electrical panel, he was shot and kidnapped by the suspects, according to the sheriff’s department.
Investigators are examining the possibility that the victim’s power was intentionally turned off as a ruse to draw him outside.
Deputies responded to a report of shots fired and a person yelling for help at the residence. The deputies arrived and spotted Zhengfeng Bo driving a Nissan Altima, then attempted a traffic stop.
Zhengfeng Bo failed to yield, prompting a short chase, authorities said. The Nissan eventually stopped on nearby Wandering Ridge Drive.
A surveillance camera at the scene captured what happened after deputies pulled over the Nissan.
In the footage, according to the sheriff’s department, Jianquan Bo exits the car with his arms raised. Zhengfeng Bo also gets out, walks to the trunk, opens it, and shoots Aikebaer inside before deputies open fire.
When deputies moved in, they found Aikebaer inside the trunk.
Both Zhengfeng Bo and Aikebaer were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a GoFundMe page created by his family, Aikebaer was a husband and father of three daughters.
Victim and suspect were described as business associates
Business records show Zhengfeng Bo and Aikebaer as having roles together in at least two LLCs. Both companies are involved in lawsuits filed this year, including one filed last week.
Zhengfeng Bo’s attorney said the controversy involves a $20 million apartment complex in Pasadena. According to the attorney, Bo is suing the former managers of the complex, whom he claims are not allowing him to take control of the property.
Bo’s attorney said that although Aikebaer’s name does not appear in either lawsuit, he described him as “a middleman,” saying he believes the victim introduced the suspect to the person with whom he had the dispute.