Chino Hills, California — A California businessman who was reported missing after gunfire erupted outside his home was later found dead in the trunk of a car, leading prosecutors to file a murder charge against a second suspect under the state’s felony murder law.
Authorities allege Jianquan Bo, 66, of Irvine, helped his brother, Zhengfeng Bo, 67, kidnap and ultimately kill Shukur Aikebaer, 60, a former business associate.
Prosecutors Announce Murder Charge Against Second Suspect
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that Jianquan Bo has been charged with murder, along with special allegations that he aided and abetted a kidnapping and was involved in the use of a firearm during the crime.
Although investigators do not allege Jianquan personally fired the fatal shot, prosecutors say he knowingly participated in the kidnapping that led to Aikebaer’s death.
Under California’s felony murder law, a person can face a murder charge if a death occurs during the commission of certain dangerous felonies, including kidnapping, even if they were not the one who carried out the killing.
Businessman Allegedly Kidnapped Outside His Home
According to investigators, the incident unfolded Wednesday night outside Aikebaer’s home in Chino Hills.
Authorities believe the businessman stepped outside after a power outage to inspect an electrical panel when he was allegedly confronted by the Bo brothers.
Investigators are still working to determine whether the power outage was intentionally caused to lure him outside.
Deputies responded after receiving reports of gunshots and someone yelling for help. When officers arrived, they reportedly saw Zhengfeng Bo driving away in a Nissan Altima and attempted to stop the vehicle.
Police Chase Ended With Fatal Shooting
Authorities said a short vehicle pursuit followed before the Nissan came to a stop.
According to investigators, surveillance video appears to show Zhengfeng exiting the vehicle, walking to the rear of the car, and firing into the trunk.
Prosecutors allege Shukur Aikebaer was inside the trunk at the time and was fatally shot.
Deputies then opened fire on Zhengfeng Bo, who died at the scene. Jianquan Bo, who was reportedly seated in the passenger seat, was taken into custody without injury.
Prosecutors Explain Felony Murder Theory
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson addressed questions about why Jianquan faces a murder charge despite not allegedly firing the weapon.
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According to Anderson, prosecutors believe Jianquan understood the kidnapping plan from the beginning and actively participated in carrying it out.
Because kidnapping is considered an inherently dangerous felony, prosecutors argue the felony murder statute applies if a death occurs during the crime.
The allegations against Jianquan remain unproven, and the charges will be tested in court.
Investigators Examine Possible Business Dispute
Public records indicate that Aikebaer and Zhengfeng Bo previously worked together through Panshi Inc., a commercial real estate company.
At the time of the incident, Zhengfeng was reportedly involved in a legal dispute over a $20 million apartment complex in Pasadena involving millions of dollars in loans.
According to the attorney who represented Zhengfeng in that civil matter, Aikebaer had acted as a middleman between investors and developers.
The attorney said he had not previously observed an adversarial relationship between the two men but acknowledged that “obviously, something happened.”
Family Remembers Devoted Husband and Father
Loved ones remember Shukur Aikebaer as a caring husband and father of three daughters who was the primary provider for his family.
A fundraiser created following his death describes him as “caring, selfless, and the most loving person,” while calling the family’s loss unimaginable.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue building their case against Jianquan Bo.
What are your thoughts on California’s felony murder law? Do you believe accomplices should face murder charges when a death occurs during a kidnapping? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
