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November 12, 2024: Construction Worker Convicted in Capital Murder of 76-Year-Old Woman During 2019 Burglary
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Heber Enoc Diaz faces life in prison in the murder of Chyong Jen Tsai
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that a jury has convicted a construction worker in the killing of a 76-year-old woman during the 2019 burglary of her Arcadia home where he had previously worked.
“Chyong Jen Tsai was killed during a burglary of her own home — a place where she should have been safe and secure,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This crime is particularly heartbreaking as Ms. Tsai was simply at home when she encountered an intruder. Our sincere condolences go out to Ms. Tsai’s family, who have endured unimaginable loss. We understand that nothing can truly fill the void left by her absence, but we hope that the guilty verdicts brings a measure of justice and peace.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated prosecutors and investigators within our Elder Abuse Unit. Their diligent work on this case exemplifies our commitment to protecting seniors in our communities and ensuring that those who prey upon the vulnerable are held accountable.”
Heber Enoc Diaz (DOB 9/6/91) of Pasadena was convicted Nov. 7. The jury came back with guilty counts on all charges: one count of murder with special circumstance allegations that the crime was committed during a robbery and a burglary; two felony counts of second-degree burglary; one felony count each of first-degree residential burglary, second-degree robbery and elder abuse. The jury found the special circumstances allegations true for first-degree murder and causing great bodily injury to a victim over age 70, using deadly and dangerous weapons – a hammer, a jab saw and a box cutter. Sentencing is set for Dec. 16, Dept. 128 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Diaz had been employed by a contractor that was doing renovations on the Arcadia home of victim Chyong Jen Tsai but was no longer working there when the April 9, 2019 crimes occurred. On that day, Diaz was burglarizing her garage when he encountered the victim and killed her.
He also committed a burglary at the property on March 19, 2019 while working there.
Case BA477170 was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau and prosecuted by LADA’s Elder Abuse Unit.
