Two men who had known each other for approximately two decades, since meeting in China, were central figures in a kidnapping and execution that has shocked their Southern California community. Authorities allege that Zhengfeng Bo, 60, kidnapped and killed his longtime friend Shukur Aikebaer, 67, on July 29.
The men first met in China around 2006, when Bo was overseeing a public works project in the Xinjiang region and Aikebaer was a local bureaucrat. Bo eventually hired Aikebaer as an assistant to help identify investment opportunities. Their relationship extended beyond business, with friends describing them as close, with one referring to Aikebaer as Bo's "brother."
Bo moved to the United States in 2019, partly to allow his children to attend American schools. He had amassed significant wealth through construction and investments, with one acquaintance estimating his assets to be around $20 million. Despite his financial success, Bo maintained a relatively simple lifestyle, focusing on gardening and real estate dealings.
Business Dispute Emerges
The partnership between Bo and Aikebaer eventually encountered trouble related to a Pasadena apartment development. According to a neighbor and friend of Bo's, the project faced delays, cost overruns, and mounting debt. Bo became suspicious that the project manager, Jason Chiyuan Wang, had defrauded him by inflating construction costs. Bo reportedly sought an accountant to audit the project and was told by the accountant that Wang had refused to provide the necessary records.
While Bo was reportedly concerned about financial irregularities and believed Wang should face legal consequences if fraud was proven, he did not express threats of violence or an intention to harm anyone, according to the friend. Aikebaer did not appear to be directly involved in this financial dispute, and Bo had not blamed his longtime friend for the issues with the Pasadena project.
Fatal Encounter
Despite their long-standing friendship, authorities allege that on July 29, Zhengfeng Bo and his brother, Jianquan Bo, 66, went to Aikebaer's Chino Hills home. They are accused of shooting Aikebaer and forcing him into the trunk of a car. During a subsequent traffic stop, Zhengfeng Bo allegedly opened the trunk and shot Aikebaer again. Deputies then killed Zhengfeng Bo. Jianquan Bo, who was a passenger in the vehicle, has been charged with murder and kidnapping and has pleaded not guilty.
Friends and family who knew Bo expressed difficulty in understanding the alleged violence, recalling a past gathering at Bo's ranch where Aikebaer was present and the atmosphere was described as happy. Bo had previously mentioned purchasing firearms for protection against coyotes. The last reported sighting of Bo was with his brother working in their yard.