Family members of the man who investigators say was kidnapped and found dead in the trunk of a car in Chino Hills this week spoke out Friday as they continue their desperate search for answers.
The eldest daughter of 60-year-old Shukur Aikebaer did not want to reveal her name but told NBC Los Angeles the deadly chain of events has crushed her family.
“He was the greatest father ever,” the young woman said. “He was the best dad, best person. To anyone around him, everyone would say he’s just a blessing to have around.”
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Aikebaer was outside his home on Monteverde Drive to inspect the electrical panel following a power interruption late Wednesday night when two men allegedly shot and kidnapped him, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. When deputies arrived, they found the getaway car and an approximately 2-mile pursuit ensued.
The brief chase ended on Wandering Ridge Drive near Chino Avenue. There, surveillance video shows the passenger get out of the car and turn himself in, while the driver walks out and opens the trunk. Moments later, authorities say the driver shot Aikebaer, who was inside the trunk, before deputies shot and killed the driver.
The driver was identified Friday as 67-year-old Zhengfeng Bo, who investigators say knew Aikebaer through a previous work relationship. The passenger, identified as 66-year-old Jianquan Bo, was booked on suspicion of murder and kidnapping, the sheriff’s department said. He remains in custody without bail.
A motive for the crimes has not yet been released.
Aikebaer’s daughter said she recognized the names of the two suspects but did not expand. She said she and her family are still trying to figure out why Wednesday night’s events unfolded.
“I want to know why because it does not make sense. Nothing makes sense. It feels like a movie. I just wish this was a bad dream and that I’ll wake up and he’ll be here,” she said.
The investigation extended to Orange County on Thursday afternoon. A search warrant was served at a home on Crossover in Irvine where the two alleged kidnappers lived together, the SBCSD said.
“The police and the SWAT had all their guns drawn. That’s when they told us to go inside,” a neighbor who witnessed investigators converge on the Irvine house told NBCLA.
Throughout the day Friday, several people were seen walking up to Aikebaer’s home, with some bringing food and support to the family.
“My friend came super early and slept over at my house with me and my mom so we aren’t alone and scared,” Aikebaer’s daughter said. “We don’t feel safe anymore, like anything can happen. We don’t feel very protected.”
The investigation is ongoing.
