Police responded to a fire at Chau's residence where it was discovered that Chau used an accelerant to set his wife, Lan, on fire. Chau's brother-in-law attempted to help Lan and was stabbed in the arm by Chau. Lan's mother also tried to rescue her and was also attacked with a knife. When police arrived they discovered Chau pointing a knife at his wife and they shot him. Chau's wife and her mother were fatally injured by Chau.
Victim's Name: William Chau
Agency Responsible: El Monte Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 59
Race: Asian
Date of Death: September 9, 2015
County: Los Angeles
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Unreported
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: knife
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Not fleeing
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 879
Geography: Suburban