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Police announce arrest after 'male companion' fleeing slain college student’s apartment
By Julia Bonavita, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten
Published February 20, 2025
Authorities have made an arrest following a two-week-long manhunt after a 23-year-old California college student was found dead in her off-campus apartment and a suspect was seen climbing from her apartment window.
Jack Minh Terry was arrested in Garden Grove, California on Feb. 16, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Terrry was charged with the murder of Menghan Zhuang three days later.
Zhuang, who also went by Emily King, was found suffering from "several injuries to her upper body" in her off-campus apartment in Newhall, California, on Feb. 4, according to authorities.
Authorities have not released any additional information regarding Terry's arrest.
The California Institute of the Arts student was found by her roommate, Lt. Michael Modica said during a Feb. 12 press conference. First responders arrived at the apartment where Zhung was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This was not a random act of violence," Modica said.
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Menghan Zhuang smiles in an undated photograph released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Zhuang, a CalArts senior, was killed in her off-campus apartment on Feb. 4, 2025. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)
Zhuang had arrived home with a "male companion" the night before her death, Modica said. The same man was seen on video footage climbing out of Zhuang's second-story window the afternoon before she was found dead.
"[Zhuang] somehow knew the person of interest, evident by bringing that person into her apartment," he noted.
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The man – who authorities say was wearing a long sleeve shirt, black pants and appears to be of Asian descent – is believed to be in his 20s and was known to the victim.
During a press conference on the investigation, Modica was unable to confirm if the man is affiliated with CalArts.
Authorities believe that there is no threat to the CalArts students and have credited the school for being "instrumental" in connecting police with Zhuang’s family, who are Chinese residents. Zhuang’s roommate is also cooperating with authorities and is not a suspect, according to Modica.
"We hope people will have the courage to come forward and help investigators identify the individual responsible for this senseless and violent act and help bring justice and a sense of closure to the family," Modica said.
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Zhuang, a Chinese national in the country for about three years on a student visa, was an art major in her senior undergraduate year, according to CalArts.
"The CalArts community is working together to process the tragic loss of our friend, student and community member," CalArts said in a statement.
Her family is working alongside school administrators to create a memorial showcasing Zhuang’s artwork.
Menghan Zhuang smiles in an undated photograph released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Zhuang, a CalArts senior, was killed in her off-campus apartment on Feb. 4, 2025. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)
"Menghan’s young life and bright future ended too soon in a brutal and tragic manner," Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement. "Menghan’s loved ones and the community at large deserve justice. I am committed to doing everything in my power to make that happen."
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Terry was charged with murder and is being held without bail, according to police. He is expected to appear in court on Thursday, March 27.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-hunt-male-companion-seen-fleeing-slain-college-students-apartment