Ming Qu and Ying Wu Murder Case: Two arrested in the killings of USC graduate students, LA police say
(CBS) LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles police Friday announced the arrests of two suspects in connection with the shooting deaths of two Chinese graduate students who attended the University of Southern California, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The first suspect was identified as 20-year-old Bryan Barnes, who authorities say lives near USC.
Police also arrested 19-year-old Javier Bolden of Palmdale, who is suspected of being an accomplice in the April 11, shooting deaths of Ming Qu and Ying Wu, both 23.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a cell phone allegedly taken from one of the victims helped police track the suspects.
"Forensic evidence that was recovered at the scene of the double homicide linked that homicide to two attempt murders in the city of Los Angeles. Both Bolden and Barnes were connected to those other two attempt homicides," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on Friday.
The electrical engineering students were fatally shot about 1 a.m. during a downpour while sitting in Qu's recently purchased 2003 BMW, which was double-parked in the 2700 block of Raymond Avenue.
Wu was found in the passenger seat and Qu on the steps of a nearby house where he collapsed while trying to summon help, police said.
"These arrests today can't bring back those lost lives but the efforts of the LAPD in tracking down suspects of such heinous crimes will allow justice to be served," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The suspects, who were being held without bail, have been booked into 77th Street Jail for murder.
They are expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.