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A day following the tragic shooting at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, authorities held a news conference. Here is the latest:
- Suspect, David Wenwei Chou, 68, was taken into custody, Sunday. He is currently being held at $1 million bail.
- Chou was booked on one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
- He arrived at the church on Sunday with two weapons. He blocked all of the exits prior to opening fire.
- According to authorities, he was around the congregation in a banquet hall "trying to look as normal as possible" - according to church-goers, he stated he had attended services in the past, but nobody recognized him.
- The victims were aged 66, 75, 82, 86, and 96-years-old. They were transported to local hospitals with gunshot wounds.
- According to the Orange County Sheriff, they believe one of the motives for the shooting was "hatred towards Taiwanese people".
“Evidence was collected linking him to this crime based on preliminary information in the investigation, it is believed the suspect involved was upset about political tensions between China and Taiwan,”
Sheriff Don Barnes
- FBI stated this is a federal hate crime.
- Chou is facing life in prison without parole.
- John Cheng, 52, lost his life after charging Chou and trying to disarm him. He leaves behind his wife and two children. He passed a hero.