Officials say a California man who owed couple $80K killed them and burned their bodies in the desert
SUMMARY
Huangting Gong, a 30-year-old man from Glendale, California, has been charged with the murder of Jing Li and Kuanlun Wang, a couple he allegedly owed $80,000. The killings occurred on October 12, 2024, in the Southern California desert. Gong is accused of shooting Wang in the head, then transporting his body in Wang's Tesla to the couple’s home in Brea. At the home, Gong allegedly attacked Li with a hammer, forcing her to unlock her phone before driving her to the desert, where he shot and burned her body. He then returned to burn Wang's body in another desert location. After the murders, Gong stole nearly $250,000 worth of luxury goods, including watches, handbags, and clothing from the couple's home. He was arrested on November 5 at Los Angeles International Airport upon returning from Seattle. Gong faces multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, and arson, with special circumstances enhancements that could lead to a life sentence if convicted.
