SANTA ANA, Calif. (KNX) – The man accused of opening fire at a Taiwanese church congregation in Orange County has been charged with hate crime enhancements, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
On May 15, David Wenwei Chou, 68, was arrested after he shot and killed a 52-year-old doctor and wounded five others at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods. He was charged with one felony count of murder, five felony counts of premeditated attempted murder, four felony counts of possession of an explosive device, and felony enhancements of lying in wait and personal discharge of a firearm causing death, officials said.
“After a review of additional evidence in this case, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has filed an amended criminal complaint to include hate crime allegations,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a press release.
The shooting occurred during a luncheon for a pastor who returned from a mission trip in Taiwan. Dr. John Cheng, 52, was killed in the shooting when he went to tackle the gunman. His actions, according to law enforcement, helped save the other lives inside.
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said during a press conference on May 16 that the shooting was believed to be a “politically motivated hate incident” as notes found in Chou’s car indicated his hate for the Taiwanese community.
Barnes also said Chou was “methodical” in his plans for the shooting, hiding two bags containing Molotov cocktail-like devices and two bags of additional magazine rounds inside the banquet hall.
Chou’s arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 19.
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