Xuanhan Zhang is charged with killing three people after he intentionally started a house fire in Temple City. 

October 31, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Wednesday that Xuanhan Zhang is charged with killing three people after he intentionally started a house fire in Temple City on October 27.

“Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones who are now grappling with this profound loss. No words can express the sorrow felt in our community over this senseless act,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Our Arson and Explosives Unit prosecutors will work diligently to hold the offender accountable for his actions. The office’s Bureau of Victim Services is available to assist the victims and their families with trauma-informed resources during their time of need.”

Xuanhan Zhang (64) is charged in case 24CJCF06782 with three counts of murder; and two counts of attempted murder.

It is further alleged that the Zhang is accused of more than one offense of murder in the first or second-degree. It also is alleged that Zhang intentionally killed the victims by means of lying in wait. It also is alleged that Zhang was engaged in the commission of the crime of arson.

Zhang is scheduled to be arraigned today in Dept. 30 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On October 27 at approximately 5:00 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a home where Zhang allegedly started a fire and where seven other people live. Three people were found deceased in the home and two others were injured.

If convicted as charged, Zhang faces a maximum sentence of life without parole in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the office’s Arson and Explosives Unit and investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney