A homicide investigation is underway following the discovery of a 23-year-old California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) student deceased in her off-campus apartment. Menghan Zhuang, also known as Emily King, was found with injuries to her upper body in her Newhall, California, residence on February 4, 2025. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Michael Modica stated that Zhuang's roommate discovered her and that first responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities have released video footage showing a man climbing out of Zhuang's second-story window the afternoon before her body was discovered. This man, described as being in his 20s and of Asian descent, was seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt and black pants. Lt. Modica confirmed that Zhuang knew the individual and that the incident was not a random act of violence. The man is considered a person of interest, and investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying him.
Lt. Modica stated that Zhuang had returned to her apartment with a male companion the night before her death, and this same individual was later seen exiting her window. While the authorities haven't confirmed the man's connection to CalArts, they believe there is no ongoing threat to the student body. Zhuang's roommate is cooperating with the investigation and is not considered a suspect.
Zhuang, a senior art major and Chinese national who had been in the U.S. on a student visa for approximately three years, is being mourned by the CalArts community. The school is working with her family in China to create a memorial to showcase her artwork. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department or anonymously report tips through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.
