Business Owner Murdered Inside Victorville Galleria; Suspect Arrested

VictorValleyNews July 31, 2017

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) A 29-year-old Norwalk man is under arrest for the stabbing murder of a local business owner inside the Victorville Galleria.

On Sunday, July 30, 2017, at 5:42 p.m. deputies from the Victorville City Sheriff’s Station responded the indoor swap meet located at 14560 Palmdale Road.

The 911 caller reported someone had assaulted a clerk and the suspect was being detained by security, officials said.

Deputies arrived on scene and found 62-year-old Victorville resident Chong Suk Hong, one of the business owners, suffering from violent injuries. Hong was transported to a local area hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, Hong was pronounced deceased at 6:32 p.m.

The suspect, Tom Raymond was arrested and transported to the Victorville City Sheriff’s Station, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail responded to assume the investigation.

Detectives determined Raymond walked into Hong’s place of business “Xtreme Menswear” where he robbed and assaulted her, including repeatedly stabbing her, then attempted to flee. There is no evidence Raymond knew Hong or had ever visited her business in the past.

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 31, 2017, Raymond was transported to the High Desert Detention Center where he was booked for Murder.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Scott Stafford, Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

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