Dorothy Mak

On May 4, 2024, the bodies of 38-year-old Dorothy Mak and 32-year-old Jingwei "Melanie" Zhang were discovered in their shared residence on Dermody Avenue in San Lorenzo, California. Both women had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, and authorities believe the homicides occurred on or around May 1, 2024.

The discovery was made after concerned family members reported Mak and Zhang missing, noting they had not responded to calls or messages since April 30. This prompted the Alameda County Sheriff's Office to conduct a welfare check at their home, leading to the grim finding.

Investigators identified 31-year-old Howard Reed, who also resided at the same address, as the primary suspect in the case. Reed was apprehended in Kansas shortly after the discovery of the victims' bodies. He has been charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances and is awaiting extradition to California to face prosecution.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has stated that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.