Transgender Woman Convicted of Murder
Introduction to the Case
A jury has found a San Dimas transgender woman guilty of stabbing to death her wife with a Japanese sword then trying to kill her mother-in-law who discovered her daughter lying facedown.
Jurors on Tuesday, Oct. 28, convicted Weichien Huang of the murder of Chen Chen Fei, the attempted murder of her mother-in-law, corporal injury on a spouse, and destroying or damaging a cellphone to prevent notifying police or other help, Deputy District Attorney Brittany Saleeby said.
The Events Leading to the Conviction
The domestic violence and destroying a cellphone charges happened on May 15, 2023, during an argument when Huang threw a cellphone at Fei’s face and also broke the phone by throwing it to the ground when Fei said she was going to call 911.
The 45-year-old Huang is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3 at Pomona Superior Court.
Details of the Crime
During closing arguments, Saleeby described Huang as “angry, dangerous, violent and controlling.”
On July 18, 2024, the couple argued over divorcing while in their home, on the 300 block of South Huntington Avenue in San Dimas. There were two swords inside.
Armed with what has been described as a katana, a samari-style sword, Huang entered a room where the 47-year-old Fei was lying down or sitting in bed and stabbed her 13 times, Saleeby told the jury.
The Aftermath
Hsi Huang, Fei’s mother, woke up to Fei screaming, went to the room and saw her daughter face down. Huang slashed her mother-in-law several times.
An injured Hsi Huang grabbed the sword and left the house seeking help. Callers reported to the Sheriff’s Department that there was a bleeding woman about carrying a sword.
Deputies found Hsi Huang, who directed them to the house, where they found Fei dead and Huang in bed.
“The defendant attempted suicide to get away from accountability,” Saleeby said.
There was a bottle of allergy medication found but she didn’t know what pills Huang took.
Defense Argument
The defense argued for involuntary manslaughter, saying Huang was in a condition known as “voluntary intoxicated causing unconsciousness”; the person can move but isn’t aware of his or her actions.
Huang testified she doesn’t remember what happened from July 14 until waking up at the hospital.
Current Status
She remains in custody at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood.
Conclusion
The conviction of Weichien Huang for the murder of her wife and the attempted murder of her mother-in-law marks a significant conclusion to a tragic and violent case. The events that unfolded highlight the importance of addressing domestic violence and the need for support systems for those affected by it.
FAQs
What was Weichien Huang convicted of?
Weichien Huang was convicted of the murder of her wife, Chen Chen Fei, the attempted murder of her mother-in-law, corporal injury on a spouse, and destroying or damaging a cellphone to prevent notifying police or other help.
When is Huang scheduled to be sentenced?
Huang is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3 at Pomona Superior Court.
What was the defense’s argument?
The defense argued for involuntary manslaughter, claiming Huang was in a state of “voluntary intoxicated causing unconsciousness” and not aware of her actions.
Where is Huang currently being held?
Huang remains in custody at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood.
