By Terry Miller
Murder suspect Deyun “Jeff” Shi, 44, appeared in Pasadena Superior Court on Monday, April 18, to face arraignment of the brutal slaying of his two nephews on Jan 22.
Attorney Barry L. Greenhalgh and a Mandarin interpreter were present at the initial appearance in front of Judge Terry Smerling.
The suspect in the double homicides appeared non-responsive to questions posed and kept his head down and eyes closed while attorneys and a translator described the pending charges. He remained with his head down and eyes closed for the initial proceeding and appeared not to speak to either the attorney or translator.
The arraignment was delayed until May 2. Shi also allegedly attacked his estranged wife with a wood-splitting tool then bludgeoned to death his two teenage nephews on Jan. 22.
Shi was extradited to the US Friday, April 15, from Hong Kong where he fled after the double homicide. The 44-year-old Chinese national appeared at Pasadena Superior Court for an arraignment which was continued to May 2.
Prosecutors had charged Shi with killing 15-year-old Anthony Lin and 16-year-old William Lin in their Fairview Avenue Arcadia home on Jan. 22.
Shi’s wife filed for a temporary restraining order alleging domestic violence in December while his mother-in-law also sought a restraining order claiming elder abuse. Shi was served with the restraining order on Jan. 7.
Investigators alleged Shi broke into the Arcadia residence and beat his nephews to death. The boys’ mother discovered their bodies on Jan. 22.
After the fatal attack, detectives said Shi took a flight to Hong Kong where authorities immediately placed him under arrest on multiple counts. He was returned from Hong Kong under extradition orders Friday, April 15.
Shi is being held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
