Man Charged In La Cresta Killings Ordered To Stand Trial

MURRIETA, CA — A convicted felon who allegedly perpetrated a home invasion robbery just west of Murrieta that ended in a deadly gunfight must stand trial for murder, while his two alleged accomplices must stand trial for attempted robbery and other offenses, a judge ruled Friday.

Michael Tong Shun Zhang, 35, of Los Angeles was arrested in late December 2020 following the botched armed robbery in the unincorporated community of La Cresta. His two alleged cohorts, 34-year-old Dong Yang of Temple City and 67-year-old Shizeng Zhu of Los Angeles, were arrested weeks later.

Following a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon found there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial for Zhang on two counts of murder, and one count each of attempted murder, burglary and attempted robbery.

Gallon also ordered Yang and Zhu bound over for trial on attempted robbery and burglary charges, with sentence-enhancing gun-use allegations.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Feb. 4.

Zhang is being held on $3 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, while Zhu is being held on $50,000 bail at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta, and Yang is free on an $85,000 bond.

Zhang, Yang, Zhu and 38-year-old Wang Lin allegedly went to the two-story residence in the 37000 block of Calle de Lobo about 9 a.m. last Dec. 26, intending to rob the occupants. However, after gaining access to the property, the trio were confronted by at least one victim armed with a handgun, according to sheriff's Sgt. Ben Ramirez.

Lin was killed in the brief gun battle that ensued, along with 45-year-old Alejandro Camacho of Bullhead City, Ariz., who was staying at the home, Ramirez aid.

Zhang was wounded, along with an unidentified occupant of the property. Both were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center, in Wildomar, and ultimately recovered. Two other men inside the house were not hurt.

Ramirez alleged that Yang and Zhu sped away before deputies reached the location. However, they were tracked down after evidence collected at the scene and elsewhere confirmed their alleged involvement, the sergeant said.

Details regarding why the home was targeted were not released.

Court records show Zhang has a prior felony conviction for burglary. The murder charges against him include the death of his alleged co-conspirator, Lin. Under California law, anytime an accomplice is killed in the course of a felony, the surviving defendant can be held responsible for the death.

Records show Yang and Zhu have convictions in another jurisdiction, but no further information was available.