Updated

Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 31

Deputies Search Irvine Home After 67-Year-Old Suspect Kills Kidnapping Victim in Trunk

Updated

Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 31

Deputies Search Irvine Home After 67-Year-Old Suspect Kills Kidnapping Victim in Trunk

Q: Why would a 67-year-old suspect kidnap a local father and execute him in a trunk during a police standoff?

The truthful answer is that no one yet knows why. Investigators have not released a motive, and they have not established publicly what relationship, if any, existed between the 67-year-old suspects and the victim, a Chino Hills father and businessman in his 60s. What is clear from the evidence so far is the sequence of events. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire and cries for help at the victim’s home on Monteverde Drive. Authorities say the man was shot there, forced into the trunk of a gray Nissan Altima with Oregon plates, and driven away. After a short chase, surveillance video showed the passenger surrendering while the driver got out, went to the trunk, and fired into it, killing the victim before deputies shot the driver. That behavior suggests the killing may have been deliberate and intended to prevent the victim from surviving, identifying his attackers, or being rescued. But that is an inference, not an official finding. Investigators are also examining whether the crime was tied to a home invasion or burglary; neighbors reported suspicious details such as a possible power disruption and disabled security footage, though authorities have not confirmed those elements as part of the motive. The Irvine search warrant indicates detectives believe additional people, planning, or evidence may be connected to the case. Until the passenger is questioned further and investigators complete searches, interviews, and forensic work, the motive remains unresolved.

3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 31

An Irvine home on Crossover near Benchmark was searched overnight under a warrant tied to the Chino Hills case in which a 67-year-old suspect shot an abducted man in his 60s.
San Bernardino County deputies say the case began Wednesday night after reports of gunfire and cries for help on Monteverde Drive, where the victim was allegedly kidnapped before the suspect fled in a Nissan Altima with Oregon plates.
Surveillance footage showed a passenger exit with hands raised after a short pursuit, then the driver open the trunk and shoot the victim inside before deputies returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
One passenger was taken into custody, no deputies were injured, and authorities have not confirmed a neighbor's account that up to four people were detained at the Irvine search site.
Investigators have not released the identities of the two dead men and are still working to establish a motive and any relationship between the suspects and the victim.