Accused Chino Hills kidnapping-execution suspect knew sufferer for years

The accused killer and sufferer in a kidnapping and execution that rocked California have been as soon as shut mates and had recognized one another for many years, family and friends have revealed.

Shukur Aikebaer, 60, and Zhengfeng Bo, 67, had recognized one another for about 20 years after assembly in China, mates toutdated the LA Instances.

Their relationship finally introduced them to Southern California, the place each constructed quiet lives — till authorities say Bo kidnapped Aikebaer from his Chino Hills residence on July 29 and fatally shot him.

The lads’s households had as soon as been shut, Tony Lu, a neighbor and buddy of Bo, stated. “There have been no controversies,” Lu stated. “No disputes.”

Bo met Aikebaer whereas overseeing a public works challenge in China’s Xinjiang area, Lu stated. Aikebaer was then a neighborhood bureaucrat. Bo finally employed him as an assistant, and Aikebaer helped establish funding alternatives.

Bo’s nephew, who was not recognized by his identify, informed the outlet his uncle had recognized Aikebaer for 20 years and known as him his “brother.”

The pair’s friendship survived their transfer to America. Bo got here to the US in 2019 so his youngsters may attend American colleges, in response to Lu.

He had made a fortune via building and investments and as soon as informed Lu his property have been value about $20 million.

But he lived comparatively merely, spending a lot of his time gardening and trying to find actual property offers. “He constructed that challenge from filth,” Lu stated, describing Bo’s enterprise profession.

Lu stated he as soon as urged Bo to cease working. “I informed him, ‘You’ve gained sufficient wealth. You could have a superb household, a superb home. Why don’t you retire?’” Lu recalled.

However Bo remained centered on enterprise.

That grew to become an issue with a Pasadena house growth that Aikebaer had helped convey to his consideration, in response to Lu.

The challenge finally grew to become a monetary disappointment, with delays, price overruns and mounting debt.

Bo grew suspicious that challenge supervisor Jason Chiyuan Wang had cheated him by inflating building prices, Lu claimed. Bo sought an accountant to audit the challenge and later stated Wang had refused to offer information.

Bo informed Lu that if the audit proved he had been defrauded, Wang ought to go to jail. However Lu stated Bo by no means threatened Wang or indicated he deliberate to harm anybody.

The monetary dispute additionally didn’t seem to contain Aikebaer instantly. Lu stated Bo had not blamed his longtime buddy for the Pasadena issues.

That makes the violence that adopted even more durable for many who knew Bo to grasp. In 2022, Bo hosted a gathering at his ranch in northern San Diego County the place Aikebaer grilled lamb. Lu remembered the event as pleased.

“No matter you may think about,” Lu stated of the fruits, greens, grapevines and different crops filling the property.

Bo had informed Lu he purchased a handgun and shotgun to cope with coyotes. The final time Lu noticed Bo, the 2 brothers have been working of their Irvine yard.

Authorities allege on July 29 Bo and his brother, Jianquan Bo, 66, went to Aikebaer’s residence, shot him and compelled him right into a automotive trunk.

Throughout a subsequent site visitors cease, Zhengfeng allegedly opened the trunk and shot Aikebaer once more earlier than deputies killed the gunman.

Jianquan, who was a passenger within the automotive, has been charged with homicide and kidnapping and has pleaded not responsible.

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