Employee Arrested In Murder Of Modesto Restaurant Owner
MODESTO (CBS13) – Modesto police have arrested an employee in the murder a Modesto restaurant owner.
Police have arrested 28-year-old Zhi Jian Mei in the death of China Gourmet restaurant owner 47-year-old Wing Ming Chan.
Chan's relatives called 911 around 3:00 Thursday morning after finding Chan's body inside the restaurant in a shopping center at Oakdale and East Orangeburg Avenue.
Police say Chan was the victim of a brutal assault. After interviewing several witnesses, police identified Mei as a suspect.
Investigators believe Chan was inside his closed restaurant when Mei arrived around 9:00 pm and an argument quickly ensued. Police say Mei got a "cleaver" type knife from the kitchen and used it to violently assaulted Chan.
When family members realized Chan had not returned home from work, they went to the restaurant, and they discovered Chan's lifeless body.
Investigators are still continuing to follow-up on this case and ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please call Detective Jim Munoz at (209) 342-9131 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
