Topline: Howard Wang is accused of murdering his wife and her mother in their luxury home while the couple’s twin daughters were inside.
Published: October 28, 2025 8:12 am ET
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Victims: Linlin Guo and her mother Beimin Cheng (via family photo)
WALNUT CREEK, CA — A California man has been charged with murdering his wife and mother-in-law inside their upscale home while his young daughters were present—allegedly with help from his mistress, who later assisted in covering up the crime.
Howard Wang, 43, is accused of killing his wife, Linlin Guo and her mother, Beimin Cheng, in the family’s multimillion-dollar residence, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
The two women were found dead inside the home in Walnut Creek, a wealthy community located about 20 miles east of San Francisco. Both Guo and Cheng were described by authorities as having their throats cut.
Howard Wang is charged with two counts of murder, each carrying special circumstances enhancements. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Initially, Howard Wang told police that an intruder committed the killings and he fired several shots at the suspect, who escaped. Investigators later disputed his account and arrested him, according to CBS News Bay Area.
Court records show he also faces charges of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury. Prosecutors said those charges stem from threats and intimidation directed at Guo before her death.
Court records show Howard Wang filed for divorce from Guo in 2024 but later withdrew the petition. Prosecutors cited the earlier charges and the divorce filing as evidence of a pattern of domestic violence.
The case expanded when authorities arrested Yan Wang, 45, more than a week after Howard Wang was taken into custody. Prosecutors identified her as being in a relationship with Howard Wang. The two share a last name but are not related.
Yan Wang is charged with destroying evidence, accessory after the fact, and first-degree residential burglary. Prosecutors allege she entered the home after the killings intending to commit larceny and help Howard Wang avoid legal consequences.
The burglary charge stems from her unauthorized entry into the home, allegedly to remove items tied to the investigation. She is also accused of destroying cellphones to prevent the recovery of data linking Howard Wang to the killings. The accessory charge is due to her alleged efforts to shield Howard Wang from arrest and prosecution.
At Yan Wang’s first court appearance, a physical altercation broke out involving a member of the victims’ family, according to KTVU. Deputies intervened to separate those involved.
“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a public statement. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”
Authorities have not disclosed what evidence was recovered or how they determined Howard Wang’s intruder story was false. The investigation remains active.
Howard Wang remains in custody without bail at the Contra Costa County jail. He entered a not guilty plea on October 8 to charges of murdering his wife and mother-in-law. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 12, when a preliminary hearing date will be scheduled.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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Twin Girls Present as California Man Allegedly Murdered Wife and Her Mother
Howard Wang is accused of murdering his wife and her mother in their luxury home while the couple’s twin daughters were inside.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 28, 2025 8:12 am ET
Victims: Linlin Guo and her mother Beimin Cheng (via family photo)
WALNUT CREEK, CA — A California man has been charged with murdering his wife and mother-in-law inside their upscale home while his young daughters were present—allegedly with help from his mistress, who later assisted in covering up the crime.
Howard Wang, 43, is accused of killing his wife, Linlin Guo and her mother, Beimin Cheng, in the family’s multimillion-dollar residence, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
The two women were found dead inside the home in Walnut Creek, a wealthy community located about 20 miles east of San Francisco. Both Guo and Cheng were described by authorities as having their throats cut.
Howard Wang is charged with two counts of murder, each carrying special circumstances enhancements. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Initially, Howard Wang told police that an intruder committed the killings and he fired several shots at the suspect, who escaped. Investigators later disputed his account and arrested him, according to CBS News Bay Area.
Court records show he also faces charges of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury. Prosecutors said those charges stem from threats and intimidation directed at Guo before her death.
Court records show Howard Wang filed for divorce from Guo in 2024 but later withdrew the petition. Prosecutors cited the earlier charges and the divorce filing as evidence of a pattern of domestic violence.
The case expanded when authorities arrested Yan Wang, 45, more than a week after Howard Wang was taken into custody. Prosecutors identified her as being in a relationship with Howard Wang. The two share a last name but are not related.
Yan Wang is charged with destroying evidence, accessory after the fact, and first-degree residential burglary. Prosecutors allege she entered the home after the killings intending to commit larceny and help Howard Wang avoid legal consequences.
The burglary charge stems from her unauthorized entry into the home, allegedly to remove items tied to the investigation. She is also accused of destroying cellphones to prevent the recovery of data linking Howard Wang to the killings. The accessory charge is due to her alleged efforts to shield Howard Wang from arrest and prosecution.
At Yan Wang’s first court appearance, a physical altercation broke out involving a member of the victims’ family, according to KTVU. Deputies intervened to separate those involved.
“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a public statement. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”
Authorities have not disclosed what evidence was recovered or how they determined Howard Wang’s intruder story was false. The investigation remains active.
Howard Wang remains in custody without bail at the Contra Costa County jail. He entered a not guilty plea on October 8 to charges of murdering his wife and mother-in-law. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 12, when a preliminary hearing date will be scheduled.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Twin Girls Present as California Man Allegedly Murdered Wife and Her Mother
Howard Wang is accused of murdering his wife and her mother in their luxury home while the couple’s twin daughters were inside.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 28, 2025 8:12 am ET
Victims: Linlin Guo and her mother Beimin Cheng (via family photo)
WALNUT CREEK, CA — A California man has been charged with murdering his wife and mother-in-law inside their upscale home while his young daughters were present—allegedly with help from his mistress, who later assisted in covering up the crime.
Howard Wang, 43, is accused of killing his wife, Linlin Guo and her mother, Beimin Cheng, in the family’s multimillion-dollar residence, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
The two women were found dead inside the home in Walnut Creek, a wealthy community located about 20 miles east of San Francisco. Both Guo and Cheng were described by authorities as having their throats cut.
Howard Wang is charged with two counts of murder, each carrying special circumstances enhancements. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Initially, Howard Wang told police that an intruder committed the killings and he fired several shots at the suspect, who escaped. Investigators later disputed his account and arrested him, according to CBS News Bay Area.
Court records show he also faces charges of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury. Prosecutors said those charges stem from threats and intimidation directed at Guo before her death.
Court records show Howard Wang filed for divorce from Guo in 2024 but later withdrew the petition. Prosecutors cited the earlier charges and the divorce filing as evidence of a pattern of domestic violence.
The case expanded when authorities arrested Yan Wang, 45, more than a week after Howard Wang was taken into custody. Prosecutors identified her as being in a relationship with Howard Wang. The two share a last name but are not related.
Yan Wang is charged with destroying evidence, accessory after the fact, and first-degree residential burglary. Prosecutors allege she entered the home after the killings intending to commit larceny and help Howard Wang avoid legal consequences.
The burglary charge stems from her unauthorized entry into the home, allegedly to remove items tied to the investigation. She is also accused of destroying cellphones to prevent the recovery of data linking Howard Wang to the killings. The accessory charge is due to her alleged efforts to shield Howard Wang from arrest and prosecution.
At Yan Wang’s first court appearance, a physical altercation broke out involving a member of the victims’ family, according to KTVU. Deputies intervened to separate those involved.
“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a public statement. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”
Authorities have not disclosed what evidence was recovered or how they determined Howard Wang’s intruder story was false. The investigation remains active.
Howard Wang remains in custody without bail at the Contra Costa County jail. He entered a not guilty plea on October 8 to charges of murdering his wife and mother-in-law. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 12, when a preliminary hearing date will be scheduled.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
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