Surviving suspect in Chino Hills kidnapping-murder pleads not guilty

A California court heard the first appearance of Jianquan Bo, 66, who pleaded not guilty to murder in the kidnapping and killing of businessman Shukur Aikebaer. Bo, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs, remains in custody without bail.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Aikebaer was abducted last week by his business partner, 67-year-old Zhengfeng Bo, who later shot the victim before being killed by deputies. Jianquan Bo was a passenger in the vehicle and was arrested at the scene.

"One of the things that can be confusing to the public is ... how can the passenger who gets out of the car be charged with murder? That's the concept and the theory of felony murder. We allege that [Jianquan Bo] knew exactly what the plan was when they went to the victim's home. What was going to be done, participated in, what led up to the death of Mr. Shukur, and that's why we file murder charges against the surviving suspect," said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson.

The district attorney also noted a special circumstance allegation that the killing occurred during a kidnapping, which could allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

Investigators are examining whether the victim's home power outage was deliberately caused to lure him outside. Business records show that Zhengfeng Bo and Aikebaer were linked through at least two limited-liability companies involved in ongoing lawsuits, including a dispute over a $20 million Pasadena apartment complex. Bo's attorney described Aikebaer as a "middleman" in the property dispute.

The incident unfolded after deputies responded to reports of gunfire and a person shouting for help on Monteverde Drive. Surveillance footage captured Zhengfeng Bo exiting his Nissan Altima, opening the trunk, and shooting Aikebaer, after which deputies opened fire. Both the victim and Zhengfeng Bo were pronounced dead at the scene.