Victims in ‘Suspicious’ Van Each Killed with Single Shot to Head

On October 17th, two bodies were found near Fort Brag in a “suspicious vehicle.” They were later identified as being Cindy Bao Feng Chen (38-years-old) from San Francisco and Jim Tat Kong (51-years-old) from San Pablo, California. Today, the Mendocino County Sheriff added this further information:

Mendocino County Sheriff Press Release:

On 10-18-13 forensic autopsies were performed on Jim Tat Kong and Cindy Bao Feng Chen in connection with the active homicide investigation.

The preliminary results of the autopsies showed both died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head.  At this time toxicology and blood alcohol analysis is pending.

The case is still being actively investigated by Sheriff’s Detectives and anyone with information pertaining to the investigation is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office “tip line” at (707) 234-2100.

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ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:

On 10-17-13, at 1435 hours, Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 31000 block of Highway 20, Fort Bragg, for a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the area.

Upon their arrival, Sheriff’s deputies located a mini-van parked near the area of the “bark dump”. The van was parked in a manner which prevented it from being seen from Highway 20.

Deputies checked the interior of the van and discovered a deceased female in the front driver seat and a deceased male in the front passenger seat. Both victims appeared to have suffered wounds to the head. The exact cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victims may not be Mendocino County residents. The female victim has been identified, but sheriff’s detectives are still attempting to locate her next of kin. The male victim has yet to be positively identified.

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office “tip line” at (707) 234-2100.

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE:

On 10-19-13 Sheriff’s Detectives identified the female victim as being Cindy Bao Feng Chen (38-years-old) from San Francisco, California.

Sheriff’s Detectives are still in the process of attempting to identify the male victim and the case is still being actively investigated.

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office “tip line” at (707) 234-2100.

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE:

On 10-22-13 Sheriff’s Detectives identified the male victim as being Jim Tat Kong (51-years-old) from San Pablo, California.

The case is still being actively investigated by Sheriff’s Detectives and anyone with information pertaining to the investigation is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office “tip line” at (707) 234-2100.