Construction Worker Convicted of Murder in the 2019 Death of 76-Year-Old Arcadia Resident Chyong Jen Tsai
On November 7, 2024, a Los Angeles jury convicted 33-year-old Heber Enoc Diaz of multiple charges, including murder, following the violent 2019 death of 76-year-old Chyong Jen Tsai in her Arcadia home. Diaz, a former construction worker employed by a contractor performing renovations on Tsai’s property, was found guilty of killing her during a burglary that escalated into a brutal attack.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Diaz was convicted of one count of murder, with special circumstances for committing the crime during a burglary and a robbery. He also faced additional felony charges, including second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree residential burglary, and elder abuse. Sentencing for Diaz is scheduled for December 16 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where he faces life in prison.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Conviction
Diaz first burglarized Tsai’s home on March 19, 2019, when she was not present. Nearly three weeks later, on April 9, Diaz returned and entered the property through the garage. This time, Tsai was home, and Diaz encountered her during the burglary. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the encounter turned violent, and Diaz used multiple tools—a hammer, a jab saw, and a box cutter—to kill Tsai. Coroner’s records showed she suffered “multiple sharp force injuries, blunt force trauma, and asphyxia,” leading to her death.
The attack has been described as exceptionally tragic due to the fact that Tsai, a senior, was attacked in what should have been the safety of her own home.
Understanding the Legal Charges and California Penal Codes Involved
1. Murder with Special Circumstances (Penal Code § 187, § 190.2)
Under California Penal Code § 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Diaz was convicted of first-degree murder, with special circumstances under Penal Code § 190.2—meaning the jury found that the murder was committed during the course of a burglary and robbery. Special circumstances in a murder charge can significantly increase the sentence, often resulting in life in prison without the possibility of parole.
2. First-Degree Residential Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
California Penal Code § 459 defines first-degree residential burglary as entering an inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit a theft or felony. Diaz’s burglary charges stem from both the March 19 and April 9 incidents, in which he unlawfully entered Tsai’s residence with criminal intent. First-degree burglary is classified as a felony, and when combined with the presence of a resident (Tsai), it becomes a highly aggravated offense.
3. Second-Degree Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
In addition to first-degree residential burglary, Diaz was convicted of second-degree burglary for entering non-residential structures or locked spaces, possibly related to the garage entry on Tsai’s property. While second-degree burglary typically carries lighter penalties than first-degree burglary, the fact that it occurred during the course of a violent crime adds severity to the overall charges.
4. Second-Degree Robbery (Penal Code § 211)
The conviction also included a second-degree robbery charge, defined by Penal Code § 211 as the taking of another’s property by force or fear. Diaz’s actions in stealing property from Tsai while engaging in violent assault meet the criteria for robbery, compounding his other burglary and murder charges.
5. Elder Abuse (Penal Code § 368)
California’s Penal Code § 368 protects elderly individuals from physical harm, neglect, and exploitation. The jury found Diaz guilty of elder abuse due to the extreme violence inflicted upon Tsai, who was 76 years old at the time of her death. The elder abuse charge reflects the enhanced protections in place for seniors in California, recognizing their vulnerability in such violent situations.
District Attorney’s Statement and Public Response
Following the conviction, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón issued a statement expressing condolences to the Tsai family and condemning the attack, particularly due to its nature as an intrusion into Tsai’s private space. Gascón highlighted the tragedy of a senior citizen encountering such violence in her own home and praised the prosecuting attorneys and investigators involved in the case, particularly those from the Elder Abuse Unit, for their thorough work in seeking justice for Tsai.
Sentencing and Potential Outcomes
With the special circumstances finding, Diaz faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. The December 16 sentencing will take place in Department 128 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where the court will determine whether Diaz’s actions merit further sentencing enhancements for the use of deadly weapons and the particular vulnerability of the victim due to her age.
If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges, including violent crimes or elder abuse allegations, The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi is here to provide the skilled legal defense you need. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in criminal defense, Attorney Hashemi offers expert representation to guide you through each step of the legal process, helping you understand your rights and options under California law.
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