Merchant Charged In Fisherman's Wharf Murders
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- San Francisco prosecutors Tuesday charged a Fisherman's Wharf merchant accused of gunning down two rivals Sunday night with two counts of murder.
Qiong Han Chu, a 30-year-old man, and Feng Ping Ou, a 30-year-old woman, were shot inside a souvenir and luggage shop at 269 Jefferson Street around 8:20 p.m. The victims, both San Francisco residents, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman, 56-year-old Hong Ri Wu, of San Francisco, was arrested nearby a short time later, according to police.
A gun believed to be the murder weapon was also recovered, police said.
The allegations against Wu include a special circumstances allegation of multiple murders, which make the case eligible for life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
New District Attorney George Gascon has said he would consider pursuing the death penalty in certain "heinous" cases, a departure from the stance of his predecessor, Kamala Harris.
Those decisions are typically made as the case progresses through the court system, and in consultation with victims' families.
District attorney's office spokeswoman Erica Derryck said Tuesday that no determination has been made to seek the death penalty in this case.
"That decision has not been made by the district attorney, and it would be premature to make it at this time," Derryck said.
According to police, Wu and the victims had apparently engaged in a dispute over the sale of similar merchandise at their shops.
Wu is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in San Francisco Superior Court Wednesday morning.
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