Walnut Creek Man Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

New charges filed against Howard Wang and alleged hitman DeMarques Peal in connection with three killings across California.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:33pm

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An extreme close-up of a bloodied knife, the harsh flash illuminating the gritty details of the weapon used in a series of alleged homicides.A chilling reminder of the brutal violence allegedly behind a complex murder-for-hire plot.Walnut Creek Today

Prosecutors in Contra Costa County have filed new murder charges against Howard Wang, a 44-year-old Walnut Creek resident, and DeMarques Peal, a 33-year-old alleged Compton gang member. The charges allege that Wang conspired with Peal to murder Chengli Li in San Gabriel in 2024, and that Wang then allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law in Walnut Creek in 2025 to clear the way for him to be with another woman, Yan Wang.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and disturbing nature of alleged murder-for-hire plots, where individuals are accused of going to extreme lengths, including multiple homicides, to pursue personal relationships. It also raises questions about the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting such premeditated and coordinated crimes.

The details

Prosecutors allege that in June 2024, Wang paid Peal to shoot and kill Chengli Li in San Gabriel, and that Wang then joined Peal at the crime scene. Thirteen months later, Wang allegedly used a knife to stab his wife, Linlin Guo, and his mother-in-law, Beimin Cheng, inside their Walnut Creek home. Wang then called 911 and reported an intruder had attacked his family. All three homicides, according to prosecutors, were intended to clear the way for Wang to be with Yan Wang, who was jailed last year on accessory charges for allegedly breaking into the Kelobra Court home and destroying evidence after Howard Wang's arrest.

  • In June 2024, Chengli Li was allegedly shot and killed in San Gabriel.
  • In September 2025, Linlin Guo and Beimin Cheng were allegedly stabbed to death in Walnut Creek.

The players

Howard Wang

A 44-year-old Walnut Creek resident who has been charged with multiple murders, including the alleged killings of his wife and mother-in-law.

DeMarques Peal

A 33-year-old alleged Compton gang member who has been charged with conspiring with Howard Wang to murder Chengli Li in 2024.

Yan Wang

A 46-year-old woman who was jailed last year on accessory charges for allegedly breaking into the Kelobra Court home and destroying evidence after Howard Wang's arrest.

Chengli Li

The victim of an alleged murder-for-hire plot in San Gabriel in 2024.

Linlin Guo

Howard Wang's wife, who was allegedly stabbed to death in Walnut Creek in 2025.

Beimin Cheng

Linlin Guo's mother, who was allegedly stabbed to death in Walnut Creek in 2025 along with her daughter.

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What’s next

Prosecutors say both Howard Wang and DeMarques Peal are due in court for an arraignment hearing on Monday afternoon.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for thorough investigations and strong prosecution of alleged murder-for-hire plots, which can involve complex webs of relationships, multiple victims, and significant planning and coordination between suspects.