LASD Seeks Information on Murder of Menghan Zhuang
The L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that the woman found dead in her Newhall apartment on February 4, 2025, was Menghan Zhuang, a student at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). She was discovered during a welfare check at her residence on Nandina Lane, near 6:45 p.m., by deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Zhuang, who went by the name Emily King, was in her fourth year of undergraduate studies at CalArts. The university’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Ann Wiens, confirmed the tragic news and expressed the campus’s deep sorrow. "The community is devastated by this news," Wiens said, adding that grief counselors were available for students. A memorial gathering for the campus community is also being planned.
King’s cause of death was determined to be “multiple injuries,” although further details have not yet been released. There were no contributing causes mentioned in the initial report.
Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have announced that a person of interest is being sought in connection with the murder. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, where additional details about the investigation will be shared.
Authorities confirmed that King shared the apartment with a male roommate, but he is not believed to be involved in the murder. As of Friday, no arrests had been made, and officials have not disclosed information regarding the possible motive or the specifics of the crime.
Detectives were seen at the scene throughout the night on February 4 and continuing the next day as they continue their investigation.
The Sheriff’s Department has also assured CalArts officials that there is no evidence of a threat to the campus. The community remains in shock, and the investigation into Zhuang's death continues.
