The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has identified the prime suspect in a murder case in Arcadia, but the man – who is considered armed and dangerous by authorities – is believed to have fled the country.
According to the sheriff’s department, deputies were first dispatched to the 50 block of Woodland Lane at 6:26 p.m. on Mar. 11 regarding a caller who stated that an intruder – later identified as Zehao Lu – had entered their home and shot their father.
It was later learned that the caller was the victim’s 13-year-old son.
“I can’t imagine what that must feel like…if he did actually witness his father get murdered,” LASD Lt. Steven De Jong told KTLA at the scene.
Responding personnel discovered the 61-year-old victim in the location suffering from a gunshot to his torso, LASD said in their latest update on the case, which was issued Wednesday. Arcadia Fire Department personnel treated the victim and transported him to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.
An additional two victims were found at the location: a 43-year-old Asian female and a 13-year-old Asian male, the latter of whom had sustained scratches to his head and neck.
He was treated at the scene and released while the female victim, his mother, was unharmed, deputies confirmed.
“Homicide investigators learned Zehao Lu confronted the female victim and her son in the driveway of the location,” the sheriff’s department said. “He forced them into their home where a confrontation occurred with the 61-year-old victim. Lu shot the 61-year-old victim and fled the location in an unknown direction.”
None of the victims were immediately identified by name.
“The tragic homicide on Mar. 11 resulted from a dispute between two individuals who were known to each other,” Arcadia Police Department Chief Roy Nakamura stated. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time. While this targeted act of violence has deeply affected us all, we want to assure the community that Arcadia remains a safe place to live and work.”
Zehao Lu is a Chinese national and is believed to have fled to China, authorities said. The 41-year-old Lu is considered armed and dangerous.
He has been charged by the L.A. County DA’s Office with one count of murder, two counts of assault with a semi-automatic handgun and one count of burglary with a person present to commit a felony. A no bail warrant with extradition has been issued for his arrest.
Due to the exhaustion of leads, detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Lu. No further details surrounding the case are being released in order to maintain the integrity of the active investigation, but officials believe that this was an isolated incident.
Anyone with information surrounding the case or Zehao Lu’s whereabouts is asked to contact the L.A. County Sheriff Department’s Homicide Bureau by calling 323-890-5500.
To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or visit their website.
