Prosecutors revealed in court that one of the defendants accused of subjecting surrogate children to abuse within an Arcadia residence previously fled the United States to evade a child abuse investigation.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Teymouri informed a judge that Guojun Xuan, 66, and Silvia Zhang, 39, allegedly confined their more than 20 children inside the Arcadia mansion for years, severely limiting their exposure to sunlight. During a search of the property, authorities discovered the cremated remains of another infant, who died shortly after birth in Florida. Prosecutors stated that the box containing the remains was never opened, indicating the defendants' indifference to the children's welfare.
The court hearing on Friday was prompted by defense attorneys' attempts to secure the release of Xuan and Zhang on their own recognizance. However, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Caroline Lugo set their bail at $20 million, denying the request. Teymouri had previously filed a motion seeking $100 million bail, citing the couple's considerable wealth.
The couple faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. Prosecutors allege that the defendants instructed their nannies to physically punish the children for minor infractions within what was described as a "learning center" in their home. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and deny the accusations through their legal representatives, who declined to comment on the latest allegations.
Surveillance footage from inside the residence captured "thousands" of instances of physical abuse over a 10-day period, according to court documents. Xuan is also individually charged with physically assaulting one of the children. Earlier reports indicated that Zhang had a prior child abuse charge for leaving her daughter in a hot car, and Xuan was accused of violence in civil landlord-tenant disputes. Xuan's attorney has stated that his client has no prior criminal convictions.
Teymouri further detailed that Zhang fled to China in 2019 after being charged with child abuse for leaving her then-8-year-old daughter in a hot car, an incident prompted by the child's 911 call. It remains unclear when Zhang returned to the U.S. The children reportedly lived in isolation, with no outside schooling or recreational activities, and witnessed violence within the home. They were subjected to round-the-clock educational instruction, with beatings administered for any perceived inattentiveness.
Following their removal from the residence by child protective services, the children exhibited fear of going to parks due to their lack of outdoor exposure. Authorities also possess video evidence of Xuan inspecting sleeping children with a flashlight, allegedly striking one child who woke up. Defense attorneys argued for their clients' release, citing Xuan's deteriorating health and claiming the abuse was not severe enough to warrant high bail, noting the children were well-nourished and received daily education. However, Judge Lugo upheld the high bail, agreeing with prosecutors regarding the couple's wealth and potential flight risk.
