Irwindale, California — Two individuals were charged with murder in connection with a deadly explosion and fire linked to illegal cannabis operations, which resulted in the deaths of five people, according to officials from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
On October 9, 2023, a warehouse on Arrow Highway exploded, killing four employees who were working on honey oil extraction. The victims, identified as Yi Luo, 47, Xin Chen, 59, Guangqi Fu, 35, and Quizhuo Liang, 35, were involved in the illicit cannabis manufacturing process when the disaster struck.
Nearly a year later, on November 18, 2024, another fatal incident occurred at a separate laboratory in South El Monte, also linked to illegal cannabis activities, resulting in one additional death.
Ted Chien, 54, faces five counts of murder related to the explosion and the associated deaths. In light of the severity of the case, prosecutors highlighted that the murder charges include a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. They are considering whether to pursue the death penalty against Chien, who is also charged with felony arson causing great bodily injury, as well as multiple counts of maintaining a location for selling or using controlled substances and manufacturing such substances.
Chien’s associate, 55-year-old Han Quan Jiao, of Rosemead, was charged with one count of murder in connection with the South El Monte incident. Jiao faces similar charges, including arson causing great bodily injury, maintaining a place for selling controlled substances, and multiple counts of manufacturing a controlled substance. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
Both men are set for arraignment on September 11 in Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege that Chien and Jiao continued their illegal cannabis operations despite the tragic fatalities of their employees.
In addition to the main suspects, four other individuals who allegedly worked for Chien and Jiao were charged. Xiaolong Deng, 36, Chengyan Xu, 61, Christopher Reyes, 30, and Frank Herrera, 35, each face a count of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance. Xu faces additional charges of manufacturing and compounding controlled substances, while the others face similar counts.
Deng, Xu, and Reyes are scheduled for a court appearance on September 24, where a judge will assess the evidence against them to determine if the case will proceed to trial. Herrera is expected in court for arraignment on Monday.
Authorities executed search warrants at nine locations throughout Los Angeles County earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation, named “Operation Sugar Diamond.” This operation aimed to dismantle the dangerous network of illegal cannabis operations that have reportedly jeopardized public safety.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the incidents, emphasizing the serious repercussions stemming from illegal cannabis operations that prioritize profit over safety. He assured that his office is committed to collaborating with law enforcement at multiple levels to combat the risks posed by such drug-trafficking organizations within the community.