Jinguo Jiang, 55

Jinguo Jiang, a 55-year-old Chinese man, was beaten to death on Thursday, Jan. 25, in the 1200 block of South Sierra Vista Avenue in Alhambra, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Alhambra police officers were called about 4:40 p.m. after a body was found in the backyard of a rooming house, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department news release.

The property included a house and garage that had been divided into 11 bedrooms and rented out, according to the release.

The initial report indicated the victim was a woman, but the body turned out to be Jiang’s. He was found face-down with his body crammed between a concrete step and a water heater, The Times reported. It was difficult to see his face, which was bloodied and covered with cardboard.

Jiang was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:10 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

Heping Gan, a 51-year-old Chinese man who also lived in the house, was arrested a short time later in connection with the slaying. Investigators say he beat Jiang with a pipe because he suspected his wife and Jiang were having an affair, Sheriff’s Lt. John Corina told The Times.

Gan tried to kill himself after the crime, but he survived the suicide attempt and was taken to the hospital in police custody, Corina said. 

On Jan. 30, Gan was charged with murder and three other felony counts in connection with allegations of domestic violence against his wife, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Gan pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, according to district attorney spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani. His next court appearance is Feb. 15. He is being held in lieu of $2.17 million bail. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.