Home Where 8-Year-Old Boy Was Killed Linked to Three Other Shootings *UPDATED*
Suspect Sengchan Houl
On February 20th, eight-year-old Jonah Hwang was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in the 1100th block of W. 11th Street.
According to authorities, the house where Jonah was killed was the target of three other shootings that have occurred since January.
Before the shooting occurred, Jonah and his family were invited to a family friend’s house for dinner. At around 6:30 p.m. they were sitting in the living room when a car drove by and fired multiple gunshots. One of the gunshots struck Jonah in the head and he died shortly after.
The house was first targeted in January, when the family discovered multiple bullet holes there before contacting authorities.
After Jonah was hit, the house was shot at again on March 7th around 7 p.m. and another time on March 25th at around 7:15 a.m. Nobody was home during the other three shootings.
After Jonah was killed, police conducted an investigation. After finding evidence, authorities believed that the same vehicle and the same suspect were involved with all four shootings.
On Sunday, police stopped the suspect as he was leaving his home, and arrested him immediately.
The suspect was identified as Sengchan Houl, 35. He was in possession of a firearm, which was believed to have been used in the shootings.
He is being held on a $2 million bail and is set to appear in court today in the L.A. County Superior Court in Pomona.
The booking photo has yet to be released, as authorities are still investigating whether or not other suspects were involved.
The motive of the shooting still have yet to be determined.
Jonah Hwang will be remembered by his family as always having an “infectious smile” and always lighting up the mood in the family.
Jonah
Update:
According to the report, Houl has been charged with six felony counts. One count of murder, one for shooting from a motor vehicle, and four counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling.
If convicted, Houl faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
