Man charged in kidnap, ransom case

ALHAMBRA - A 24-year-old Chicago man was charged by the District Attorney's office last week with kidnapping for ransom and attempted murder in the Sept. 9 abduction of a San Gabriel woman who was left for dead after her father agreed to pay for her return.DeQiang Song was charged with one count each of kidnapping for ransom and attempted first-degree murder in the abduction of the 21-year-old victim. Song allegedly used a knife to commit the crimes. Song, in custody without bail, appeared briefly in Alhambra Superior Court on Monday but had his arraignment put over until Sept. 29. Authorities said the victim, identified in the criminal complaint as Liang S., knew Song through a mutual friend and asked him to drive her to the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia. After she shopped at the mall, he allegedly took her to an area off the 210 Freeway and tied her up. The defendant, according to authorities, called the victim's father and demanded ransom. While haggling over the amount, Song, according to authorities, strangled the victim and sliced her throat with a knife before leaving her for dead. When Song arrived at a prearranged location to pick up the ransom money, he was arrested. The victim was found in San Bernardino County and hospitalized. If convicted, Song faces a maximum prison term of life with the possibility of parole plus one year.

********** Published: September 30, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 24