Southern California

Man Pleads Not Guilty in Stabbing Death of Co-Worker in Cal State Fullerton Parking Lot

A Southern California man has pleaded not guilty in the fatal stabbing of a co-worker in a California State University Fullerton campus parking lot.

Online court records show Chuyen Vo of Huntington Beach on Friday pleaded not guilty to one count of murder in the death of 57-year-old Steven Chan.

Vo is due back in court on Nov. 22. Vo's attorney Ed Welbourn had no comment.

Authorities say Vo stabbed Chan in a parking lot at California State University, Fullerton, in August. Chan retired from an administrative job at the college in 2017 but had returned this year to work as a consultant.

Police declined to discuss the relationship between the co-workers.

Police also did not disclose any potential motive for the attack.

The murder charge against Vo includes a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait, along with an allegation of personal use of a deadly weapon, according to court records.

Detectives believe Vo specifically targeted Chan, Fullerton police Lt. Jon Radus said. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds inside his silver Infiniti sedan parked in a lot outside an administrative building in the 600 block of Langsdorf Drive.

Investigators found a backpack, believed to have been left by the suspect, underneath the victim's car. An incendiary device and knife — not the one used in the killing — were found inside the satchel, along with tools that could be used in a kidnapping plot such as zip ties, wigs and other disguises, police said.

A witness called 911 and said the suspect was seen running north on Langsdorf and then east on Nutwood Avenue, Radus said. On Tuesday morning, police released a composite sketch and a description of the black, four-door sedan in which the suspect made his getaway.

Radus initially described the victim as a retired faculty member who had returned to the campus, working in international student admissions. CSUF officials later called him "a retired administrator working as a consultant on campus.''

CSUF President Fram Virjee said he did not personally know Chan or work directly with him, but had talked with those close to him and "it is clear that he was beloved for his commitment to and passion for both Cal State Fullerton and our Titan Family.''

Virjee requested thoughts and prayers for Chan and his family.

"Life is so precious and family and friendships so dear,'' Virjee said. "In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will all honor and remember Steven in our own way."

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