Jianquan Bo, 66, pleaded not guilty for his involvement in the deadly incident last week. He is facing a murder charge, even though investigators say it was his brother who fatally shot the victim, identified as Shukur Aikebaer, in front of San Bernardino County deputies.
Jianquan wore an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs as he entered his plea. He is being held without fail.
Authorities have not released many details about a possible motive, but Eyewitness News has learned Jianquan's brother and Aikebaer were locked in a legal battle over a multi-million dollar apartment complex.
Details on Chino Hills kidnapping-murder case
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Aikebaer was kidnapped last week by his business partner. The suspect, identified as 67-year-old Zhengfeng Bo, led deputies on a short pursuit before opening fire on Aikebaer, investigators said.
Deputies then shot and killed Zhengfeng Bo. Jianquan Bo was the passenger in the car and was arrested and charged.
Surviving suspect in Chino Hills kidnapping-murder case charged
"One of the things that can be confusing to the public is ... how can the passenger who gets out of the car be charged with murder?" said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson during a press conference on Monday. "That's the concept and the theory of felony murder. We allege that [Jianquan Bo] knew exactly what the plan was when they went to the victim's home. What was going to be done, participated in, what led up to the death of Mr. Shukur, and that's why we file murder charges against the surviving suspect."
Officials also said a special circumstance allegation was filed, alleging the killing occurred during a kidnapping. Authorities said that could leave open the possibility of the case being pursued as a death penalty case.
How did the kidnapping and deadly shooting unfold?
The deadly incident unfolded on Wednesday night after the power to Aikebaer's home went out on Monteverde Drive. When he came out to inspect his electrical panel, he was shot and kidnapped by the suspects, according to the sheriff's department.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that the victim's power was purposely turned off as a ruse to get him outside.
Deputies responded to a report of shots fired and a person yelling for help at the location. The deputies arrived at the scene and spotted Zhengfeng driving a Nissan Altima, then attempted a traffic stop.
Zhengfeng failed to yield, and that's when a short chase began, authorities said. The Nissan eventually stopped on nearby Wandering Ridge Drive.
A surveillance camera at the scene captured what happened after deputies pulled over the Nissan.
In the footage, according to the sheriff's department, Jianquan gets out of the car with their arms in the air. Zhengfeng also gets out, walks to the trunk of the vehicle, opens it, and shoots Aikebaer inside before deputies open fire.
When deputies moved in, they discovered Aikebaer inside the trunk.
Both Zhengfeng and Aikebaer were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a GoFundMe page created by his family, Aikebaer was a husband and father of three daughters.
Victim and suspect were described as business associates
Eyewitness News has obtained business records showing Zhengfeng Bo and Aikebaer as having roles together in at least two LLCs. Both companies are involved in lawsuits filed this year, including one lawsuit filed last week.
Zhengfeng Bo's attorney told Eyewitness News the controversy involves a $20 million apartment complex in Pasadena. According to the attorney, Bo is suing the former managers of the complex, whom he claims are not allowing him to take control of the property.
Bo's attorney said that although Aikebaer's name is not listed in either lawsuit, he described him as "a middleman," saying he believes the victim introduced the suspect to the person with whom he had the dispute.
READ MORE: Chino Hills kidnap-murder suspects and victim identified; detectives reveal prior relationship
Chino Hills kidnap-murder suspects and victim identified; detectives reveal prior relationship