A California man previously charged with the brutal murders of his wife and mother-in-law is now facing an additional murder charge for the killing of his mistress's boyfriend, according to prosecutors. Howard Wang, 43, was initially accused in a double-homicide case from 2025, but new allegations suggest his involvement in a separate 2024 slaying, deepening the legal turmoil surrounding him.
Initial Charges in Family Murders
Wang was charged last year with the murders of his wife, Linlin Guo, and mother-in-law, Beimin Cheng, after their bodies were discovered in their Walnut Creek, California, home on September 18, 2025. Police reports indicate that Wang allegedly slashed the throats of both victims and fired two shots from a handgun. He then fabricated a story to investigators about a fleeing intruder being responsible for the killings.
Notably, the couple's twin eight-year-old daughters were home during the incident but were unharmed. The case drew significant attention due to the violent nature of the crimes and the presence of the children.
Mistress's Alleged Involvement
Following Wang's arrest, his mistress, Yan Wang, 45, who is not related to him, was arrested two weeks later. She allegedly broke into the family's residence a day after his arrest to steal evidence. The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office stated that she aided Howard Wang with knowledge after the murders, intending to help him avoid arrest, trial, conviction, and punishment.
Additionally, she is accused of destroying cellphones to prevent evidence from being produced. Yan Wang faces charges including being an accessory after the fact, first-degree residential burglary, and destroying evidence.
New Murder Charge Emerges
In a recent development, the DA's Office announced on Monday that Howard Wang now faces a new murder charge for the 2024 killing of his mistress's boyfriend, 41-year-old Chengli Li. Prosecutors allege that Wang plotted and carried out this murder with another man, Demarques James Pearl, 33, a former Crips gang member from Los Angeles.
According to reports, Wang allegedly paid Pearl for his involvement. The two are accused of traveling together from the Bay Area to Los Angeles County on June 7, 2024, and ambushing Li outside his San Gabriel apartment the next day, fatally shooting him before fleeing the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Future Court Dates
Howard Wang is expected to be arraigned on April 14 for the additional murder charge, while Pearl has been charged with homicide in connection to the same case. This new charge adds to the complexity of Wang's legal battles, as he already faces severe penalties for the initial double-murder accusations.
The case highlights ongoing investigations into violent crimes in California and the intricate web of relationships and alleged conspiracies involved. Prosecutors continue to build their case, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the impact on the victims' families.
