SAN DIMAS, CA – Following an altercation, a 44-year-old California woman allegedly used a samurai sword to murder her wife and severely wound her mother-in-law. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced murder and attempted murder charges against Weichien Huang on Monday.

On July 18, an incident escalated to violence in the couple’s San Dimas residence. According to officials, Huang attacked her spouse, Fei Chen Chen, with the traditional Japanese weapon known as a katana. Amid the attack, Huang also purportedly stabbed her mother-in-law. The latter managed to dispossess Huang of the sword despite having sustained grave injuries and was later hospitalized.

Eyewitness footage later surfaced, showcasing Huang placing the samurai sword atop a U-Haul vehicle in the vicinity. Upon arrival, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy confronted Huang, who initially approached with the blade in hand but complied with commands to drop the weapon and surrender. The authorities were then led to the household where they discovered the victims: Huang’s deceased wife, the injured mother-in-law, and a third unharmed woman. Emergency services transported Chen to a medical facility, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her mother’s hospitalization continues.

After a brief hospital stay, Huang was discharged and detained at the Los Angeles County Jail, being held without bond.

Expressing his condolences, Gascón highlighted the broader issue of domestic violence: “We are deeply saddened by this horrific violence, and our hearts go out to the victims’ loved ones and community. This tragic case demonstrates the insidious problem of domestic violence that affects many throughout our country.” He also assured that the Bureau of Victim Services stands ready to support the surviving victim.

The authorities have not revealed a potential motive behind the crime. Should Huang be found guilty, she faces a life sentence.