Two San Diego sisters, Ingrid and Rebecca Wu, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after their 81-year-old mother, Kun-Ying Yang, was found face-down in a gap between a pullout couch and a bed frame on March 6. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide caused by positional asphyxia, with neglect listed as a contributing factor. The sisters also face elder abuse charges related to alleged neglect of their 88-year-old father and remain jailed without bail while the investigation continues.
San Diego Sisters Charged With First‑Degree Murder After 81‑Year‑Old Mother Found Trapped in Pullout Couch
San Diego Police Department vehicles and police tape (stock image)Credit: Kevin Carter/Getty
Two sisters in San Diego have been charged with first-degree murder after their 81-year-old mother was found unresponsive in a pullout couch, authorities say.
San Diego Police Department dispatchers received a 911 call shortly before midnight on March 6 reporting that Kun-Ying Yang, 81, had been found unresponsive in her apartment on the 6300 block of Genesee Avenue. First responders discovered Yang lying face-down in a gap between a pullout couch and a bed frame; medical personnel performed life-saving measures but pronounced her dead at the scene.
Acting Lt. Christopher Leahy of the SDPD said investigators believe Yang had been in that position for at least 15 hours before help arrived. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide, listing positional asphyxia as the cause of death and noting neglect as a contributing factor.
"We don't know how she got into awkward positioning," Leahy told reporters, adding that Yang "clearly should not have been in that position, and efforts were not made to remove her or get her appropriate medical care."
6300 block of Genesee Avenue in San DiegoCredit: Google Maps
During the investigation, detectives and Adult Protective Services (APS) determined that Yang and her 88-year-old husband were being cared for by their daughters. Authorities identified the suspects as Ingrid Wu, 52, and Rebecca Wu, 53, and said prior complaints had been filed about the quality of the parents' care.
Arrests and Charges
Both sisters were arrested on June 4 and booked into the Las Colinas women's facility in Santee. Jail records show they face charges of first-degree murder and elder abuse — the latter related to alleged neglect of their 88-year-old father. Records indicate the sisters are not eligible for bail.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances that led to Yang being left in a position that resulted in positional asphyxia, as well as earlier reports about the family's care arrangements. The case remains under active investigation.
Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or elder neglect, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential; support is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
Help us improve.
