Mass Honors Heroic Doctor Who Died In Laguna Woods Church Shooting

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — The Aliso Viejo doctor who was killed while trying to disarm a gunman in a Laguna Woods church was honored Tuesday during Mass at local high school in Rancho Santa Margarita, the OC Register reported.

The Mass was held at Santa Margarita Catholic School and was dedicated to the "loving memory" of Dr. John Cheng. Two of Cheng's children currently attend the school, the OC Register said.

"Dr. Cheng, a local physician, will be remembered as a true hero for his bravery to thwart the efforts of an armed assailant," A mass-email sent by Santa Margarita Catholic High School reads. "His selfless actions saved the lives of countless people. Our hearts go out to the Cheng family and all those impacted by the events of this past Sunday."

Cheng was killed after trying to stop a shooting Sunday at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods. The assailant, later identified as 68-year-old David Wenwei Chou, was charged in connection with the shooting.

The crime was attributed to Chou's hatred of Taiwan, authorities said. All the victims were Taiwanese Americans; Chou is Chinese American.

To read more about the Mass celebrating Dr. John Cheng's life, view the full article on the OC Register.

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