Guilderland Murders: First Motivation Passion, Second Gambling

Authorities continue to investigate last week’s quadruple murder of a family in their Guilderland, New York residence, alluding to the idea Monday that illegal gambling could have been a motive.

The adult victims of the crime were identified as 39-year-old Jin Feng Chen and his wife 38-year-old Hai Yan Li.  Two children were also murdered including a seven-year-old male, and a ten-year-old male.  Authorities released the names of the two young victims over the weekend; Anthony and Eddy Chen.  The weapon used was a knife.

The investigation has expanded into New York City and as far away as China.

"My mind goes immediately to, first, an act of passion, and second, gambling and money," said private investigator Bill Peeler, who owns an international investigation and security firm, based in the Capital Region.  

While human trafficking could provide another motive, Peeler told TWC News that illegal gambling may be at the heart of the murders.

"Chinese folks from other areas or neighboring communities would find out about the game, because they were very well-publicized within the community. They would come over and hold-up their own people, and steal the money from the gaming," said Peeler.

The Times Union reported that Chen allegedly handled large amounts of off-the-books cash that flowed through undocumented Chinese restaurant workers in an underground economy that runs from New York City to the Capital Region and beyond.

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com