Care Dispute May Figure in Shootings

A 60-year-old man accused of shooting to death his sister-in-law and her teenage daughter may have been angry over the care of his elderly parents, Santa Ana police said Wednesday.

Peter Nong Le, who listed his occupation as a tutor, had been in Vietnam for five years and returned to live with his parents at the family’s Santa Ana home about three weeks ago.

According to authorities, Le got into an argument with Tuyet Le, 51, about the care she was giving his parents, then shot and killed her and her daughter, Jennifer Cu, 15, shortly after the daughter arrived home from school Tuesday.

“However, there was no sign of neglect or substandard living conditions of the parents, who live there,” said Sgt. Carlos Rojas, a spokesman for the Santa Ana Police Department.

Le is being held at the Santa Ana City Jail on suspicion of homicide. He will be arraigned today in Santa Ana.

Police said Le called 911 after the shooting and surrendered to officers. Officers found one victim inside the house, the other in the backyard. An assault rifle and handgun also were found, Rojas said. Le’s parents were home during the shooting but were not injured.

On Wednesday, candles flickered at a shrine in the living room. Howard Le, who police say is the girl’s father, was too distraught to talk.

At Valley High School, psychologists provided counseling and support to students and teachers.

“The students took it very hard,” said Principal Antonio Espinosa. “[Jennifer] was very active, popular and well-liked.”

The sophomore had transferred to the Santa Ana school in September and “made a big impact for the short period she’s been here,” Espinosa said. She participated in school projects, was a member of the Key Club and took honors classes.

“She had a very bright future,” Espinosa said. “It’s a tragic, senseless loss.”