SEATTLE – A man who shot and killed his wife while their two children watched, then fatally shot himself, has been identified as Yao Chen, 42, of Seattle, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office said.
Yao Chen and his wife, Franny Chen, 41, were shot in the head.
Police were alerted Friday by the couple’s 10-year-old son, who called 911 to say his father had shot his mother and then himself. The boy and an 8-year-old sister were not hurt. They have been placed with relatives.
“Physically they’re OK. Emotionally and psychologically, it’s going to have an impact on them, I’m sure,” said Seattle police spokesman Duane Fish.
The couple immigrated here from China and separated at least two years ago, said neighbor Tranh La. Franny Chen filed a domestic-violence petition against Yao Chen in December 1999, according to court documents.
La said Yao Chen moved into a basement apartment with Franny Chen and the children after he lost his job as a cook at a Chinese restaurant in August. She said Franny Chen did not want him in the apartment but didn’t try to force him out for fear he would take the children. La said she often heard the two arguing.
Franny Chen worked in the food services department of United Airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Antiques thefts: A 69-year-old Clackamas County man is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in antiques, clothes and dishes over several years. Lynne Topper called police Thursday after her husband, David Topper, came home with miniature Japanese figurines valued at about $13,000. Lynne Topper told police she thought her husband had stolen the items from STARS Antique Mall in Portland. On Friday, Clackamas County deputies sifted through thousands of items from collector’s plates to crystal candle holders at the Toppers’ home, trying to determine what was stolen and what wasn’t, said spokeswoman Angela Blanchard. David Topper was charged Thursday with theft and theft of services and released Friday. Detectives believe Topper stole about $250,000 worth of antiques and other items. One local antiques dealer told the sheriff’s office that Topper has up to $2 million worth of collectibles. The couple has been married since 1997, but Lynne Topper said she didn’t realize what was going on until three years ago. The house and the garage are crammed full, she said.
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