FULLERTON, Calif. (CNS) - Investigators Tuesday released a composite sketch of a man sought in the stabbing death of a retired Cal State Fullerton administrator who was attacked in a campus parking lot.
Detectives believe Steven Shek Keung Chan, 57, of Hacienda Heights was the victim of a targeted attack, according to Fullerton police Lt. Jon Radus. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds inside his silver Infiniti sedan parked in a lot outside an administrative building in the 600 block of Langsdorf Drive about 8:45 a.m. Monday.
A witness called 911 and described the suspect as an Asian man in his mid-20s with black hair, wearing a black windbreaker and black pants, Radus said. The suspect was seen running north on Langsdorf and then east on Nutwood Avenue, Radus said.
On Tuesday morning, police issued a composite sketch and a description of the vehicle in which the suspect is believed to have made his getaway as they called on the public for help apprehending the killer, who they believe was injured in the attack and may have lacerations to one or both of his hands.
A review of surveillance video from the area captured the suspect leaving a nearby parking lot east of the San Gabriel (57) Freeway in a black, four-door sedan with black wheels and dark-tinted windows, believed to be a newer model BMW X6, shortly after the stabbing, Radus said.
Orange County Sheriff's Department bloodhounds were being used to help search for the suspect, Radus said.
Investigators found a backpack, believed to have been left by the suspect, underneath the victim's car. An incendiary device and knife -- not the one used in the killing -- were found inside the satchel, along with tools that could be used in a kidnapping plot such as zip ties, wigs and other disguises, police said.
Radus said both the victim and suspect were of Asian descent, but it was still unclear what motivated the crime.
"We do not know the motive at this point," Radus said, adding that investigators believe the victim was "targeted" by his assailant.
"We do not believe there is a random stabber on the loose at this particular time," Radus said Monday.
The victim had not received any specific threats recently, the lieutenant said.
Radus initially described the victim as a retired faculty member who had returned to the campus, working in international student admissions. CSUF officials later called him "a retired administrator working as a consultant on campus."
CSUF President Fram Virjee issued a statement about the stabbing Monday night.
"It is with such a heavy heart and a deep and profound sense of sadness that I inform you that our colleague and friend, Steven Chan, a beloved and long-serving member of the Titan Family, passed away this morning after a tragic and senseless attack in the parking lot behind College Park," Virjee said.
Virjee said he did not personally know Chan or work directly with him but had talked with those close to him and "it is clear that he was beloved for his commitment to and passion for both Cal State Fullerton and our Titan Family."
Virjee requested thoughts and prayers for Chan and his family.
"Life is so precious and family and friendships so dear," Virjee said. "In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will all honor and remember Steven in our own way."
University officials said counseling and support services were being offered for anyone needing such assistance.
The killing came on the day that authorities with the Cal State Fullerton Police Department were scheduled to film an active-shooter educational video on the campus, aimed at helping students and staff prepare for emergencies. That filming was canceled in light of the crime.
