Xiuxia "Michelle" Chen, a 44-year-old mother of two, was tragically shot and killed on June 2, 2017, in Alhambra, California. Chen was working as the manager of the Ambassador Inn hotel on Valley Boulevard when a masked man entered the hotel office around 11 p.m. and attempted to rob her. During the robbery, the assailant shot Chen at least once in the torso. A co-worker discovered her bleeding on the ground and called 911, but Chen was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
This incident was particularly shocking to her family and colleagues, as Chen was known for her kind and non-confrontational nature. Her husband, Armando Escandor, expressed his disbelief and sorrow, noting that Chen had never encountered serious trouble at work before.
The investigation into Chen's murder revealed that the suspect was a male adult, standing between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall, with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweater and a dark-colored glove. Surveillance footage from the hotel lobby captured the moments before and after the shooting, showing the gunman confronting Chen and then fleeing the scene on foot. Despite the availability of this footage, identifying the suspect proved challenging. In the weeks following the murder, Chen's family and law enforcement officials held a news conference to plead for public assistance in identifying the killer. A $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Chen's death left a profound impact on her family, who described her as a loving and empathetic person. Her husband and children struggled to cope with the loss, seeking justice for her untimely death. The case remains unsolved, with investigators continuing to search for leads and hoping that someone with information will come forward. The community's response to the tragedy highlighted the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew Chen and the urgent need for justice in her case.
