Family members of the man who investigators say was kidnapped and found dead in the trunk of a car in Chino Hills this week spoke out Friday as they continue their desperate search for answers.
The eldest daughter of 60-year-old Shukur Aikebaer did not want to reveal her name but told NBC Los Angeles the deadly chain of events has crushed her family.
“He was the greatest father ever,” the young woman said. “He was the best dad, best person. To anyone around him, everyone would say he’s just a blessing to have around.”
Aikebaer was outside his home on Monteverde Drive to inspect the electrical panel following a power interruption late Wednesday night when two men allegedly shot and kidnapped him, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. When deputies arrived, they found the getaway car and an approximately 2-mile pursuit ensued.
The brief chase ended on Wandering Ridge Drive near Chino Avenue. There, surveillance video shows the passenger get out of the car and turn himself in, while the driver walks out and opens the trunk. That’s when authorities say the driver killed Aikebaer before deputies shot and killed the driver.
The driver was identified Friday as 67-year-old Zhengfeng Bo, and the passenger is 66-year-old Jianquan Bo, the sheriff’s department said. Jianquan Bo was booked on suspicion of murder and kidnapping and remained in custody without bail.
Investigators said Zhengfeng Bo knew Aikebaer through a previous work relationship.
A motive for the crimes has not yet been released.
Investigators said the thee men knew one another through work. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Aikebaer’s daughter said she recognized the names of the two suspects but did not expand. She said she and her family are still trying to figure out why Wednesday night’s events unfolded.
“I want to know why because it does not make sense. Nothing makes sense. It feels like a movie. I just wish this was a bad dream and that I’ll wake up and he’ll be here,” she said.
Several people were seen walking up to the Chino Hills home throughout the day on Friday, with some bringing food and support to the family.
“My friend came super early and slept over at my house with me and my mom so we aren’t alone and scared,” Aikebaer’s daughter said. “We don’t feel safe anymore, like anything can happen. We don’t feel very protected.”
The investigation has also spread to Orange County. On Thursday afternoon, a search warrant was served at a home on Crossover in Irvine where the two alleged kidnappers lived together, the SBCSD said.
“The police and the SWAT had all their guns drawn. That’s when they told us to go inside,” a neighbor who was home at the time investigators converged on the Irvine house told NBCLA.
The investigation is ongoing.