Lexington Husband Charged In Wife's Murder

LEXINGTON, MA — A Lexington man was charged with murdering his wife, who authorities said told friends she feared for her safety before being found dead in a car last week. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lexington Police Chief Mark Corr said Hongyan Sun, 50, was arrested and charged with killing Shen Cai, 49.

Authorities said Sun killed his wife and moved her body to her Honda CRV on Worthen Road to mislead investigators. Her body was found May 30. An autopsy revealed Cai died of mechanical asphyxiation.

Authorities said Sun and Cai were going through a divorce, and that Cai had told friends and her attorney that Sun had a history of verbal abuse and controlling behavior, as well as an instance of violence.

Police had learned of a May 28 altercation between Sun and Cai that left injuries on both "consistent with a violent struggle," authorities said.

Sun will be arraigned Thursday in Concord District Court.