Slain man was from Sacramento

1-26-2006 California:

WILLOWS -- The man found dead Monday off a private road near Butte City was identified later that day as a Sacramento resident. Xochia Xiong, 55, was found lying face down on the bank of a drainage ditch near an orchard, dead from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. His hands were bound behind his back. Glenn County Sheriff/Coroner Larry Jones said articles found on Xiong led crime unit investigators to Sacramento. With the help of Sacramento Police Department investigators, Xiong's estranged wife, a son and a daughter were located.

Jones confirmed that Xiong had a criminal record. He served time in prison for child molestation and was a registered sex offender. He said he has no idea if the killing is related to Xiong's criminal history, but "all possibilities are open at this time." Xiong was a resident alien of Hmong descent. Relatives told investigators he was last seen leaving his Sacramento apartment Thursday evening, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Xiong did not report for work in Sacramento Friday. Investigators were told he had a history of diligently reporting for work on time, but Jones said no one reported the man missing. Sheriff's investigators who returned to Sacramento Tuesday have yet to establish a motive for the killing, but indications are "possibly great" that Xiong was killed at the 800-acre ranch where he was found, Jones said.

Early in the investigation, authorities said Xiong may have been killed elsewhere and his body dumped at the ranch location. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon, but Jones said he won't have a preliminary report until sometime this morning. The case is under two separate investigations through the Sheriff's Office. So far, there are no suspects in the case. ..more.. : by Staff writer Barbara Arrigoni barrigoni@chicoer.com

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Sacramento Man Found Dead In Orchard
1-24-2006 California:

SACRAMENTO -- Authorities from several Northern California agencies are investigating the death of a Sacramento man whose body was found in an orchard near Butte City in Glenn County.

The body of 55-year-old Xochia Xiong was found Monday. He had been shot to death. The motive for the killing is a mystery.

KCRA 3's Mike TeSelle reported that Xiong worked at a Hmong grocery store and was known as a diligent employee who rarely missed work. He was last seen leaving for work Thursday morning.

Crime scene technicians from the state Department of Justice have been called in to help process the scene where Xiong's body was found. A California Highway Patrol aircraft has also been used to take aerial photographs of the area. ..more.. by KCRA TV