‘No solid lead in As Gonno homicide’

Investigators have so far no solid lead in the As Gonno arson that led to the death of a Chinese couple, but they are looking into a possible link in the recent arrest of seven persons for alleged distribution of methamphetamine or “ice.”

In a news briefing on Friday, Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Deleon Guerrero disclosed that they had interviewed some persons pertaining to the As Gonno double homicide, but that there’s no solid lead yet that will help them solve the case.

Deleon Guerrero also stated that when the As Gonno incident happened, they looked into a possible link with the recent arrest of five Chinese nationals and two locals for “ice” distribution charges.

“But we are not prepared at this point of time to share what we’re doing specifically about it and what are the results of that,” he added.

Police have classified the death of Guo Huang Xu and his wife, Qing Xiu Zheng, as a double homicide. The two reportedly died due to smoke inhalation as a result of the fire that razed their house to the ground in a farm in As Gonno Sunday night.

Deleon Guerrero said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force are helping the department.

He said ATF and DEA Task Force’s involvement is focused on the analysis of some of the forensic evidence as well as collection and preservation of evidence that were taken from the crime scene.

Deleon Guerrero said the DEA’s involvement was particularly because they also looked into a possible link with the recent arrest of seven alleged drug dealers.

The commissioner said they need the public’s help to cooperate with law enforcement and with the Commonwealth Bureau of Investigation on whatever information they have pertaining to the double homicide.

“In particular we request the assistance, most specifically from the Chinese community who are out there. If they have any type of information whatsoever pertaining to that particular incident, whether it is something they’re hearing as a rumor or whatever tips they may have, to please contact the Commonwealth Bureau of Investigation and offer such information,” he said.

He said the cooperation of the Chinese community is absolutely critical in resolving cases that involve someone within their community.

Deleon Guerrero said for those who want to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 234-7272.

He said they have been working with the Chinese Consulate Office in Los Angeles in making sure that the victims’ family is notified about the incident.

Deleon Guerrero said the relatives of the victims are on Saipan and have been assisting the investigators.

Deleon Guerrero declined to cite specific details but said they discovered some things at the crime scene that prompted them to classify the case as a homicide. He said that mentioning details would compromise the investigation because of the many things that only the assailants would know.

CBI chief Fire Lt. Kevin Aldan said they could not disclose which part of the house the couple’s bodies were found.

Right now, Aldan said, they are very careful with giving out information because the investigation is ongoing.

As to the many unsolved homicide cases involving Chinese nationals, Deleon Guerrero admitted that when it comes to citizens of the People’s of Republic of China, crime solving is quite difficult.

“The fact of the matter is, throughout the years we’ve been investigating cases such as this, they’re not as forthcoming in terms of providing information to law enforcement. I can only speculate on the reasons why that is,” he said.

The commissioner said they need the Chinese community’s cooperation because there are a lot of Chinese victims.

“I’m hoping that members of the Chinese community begin to trust the department to be able to take action against anyone responsible for crimes such as this,” he said. “The reality of the situation is this: As long as the community stays silent about incidents like this, then you cannot really truly expect much from the police to be able to come to a resolution.”

Another issue is the language barrier, Deleon Guerrero said, adding that the department needs to be more diverse in their personnel.

“We need people from other ethnic background so we can understand the culture,” he said.

He disclosed, though, that the DPS Special Homicide Activity Resolution Partnership, a team tasked to work on unsolved homicide cases, is still active with three investigators.