2 suspects arrested in slaying, fire at Henderson home

By Pashtana Usufzy

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 | 7:25 p.m.

Two 21-year-old men were arrested this morning in connection with the homicide of a 20-year-old man whose body was found during a fire at his Henderson residence, city officials said.

Julius Edward Zavalza and Jose Valle were arrested just before noon today on charges including murder with use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery while in possession of a deadly weapon and first-degree arson, according to a Henderson press release.

The men were located and taken into custody without incident at a Las Vegas home near Vegas and Rancho drives, the release said.

Police arrested the pair in connection with the death of Walter Zhongcheng Wu.

Wu was found unconscious Dec. 23 at the house where he and his mother lived in the 100 block of Holly Tree Court, located in the Anthem Country Club area of Henderson, police said.

Firefighters and police responded to a 911 call and saw smoke coming from the residence before discovering Wu in a bedroom, the release said.

Wu was transported to St. Rose Dominican Hospital — Siena Campus, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

He died of multiple stab wounds to the head and neck as well as asphyxia, and the Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, police said.

Officers discovered Wu's 2015 Toyota 4Runner abandoned and undamaged Dec. 26 at a Las Vegas apartment complex off Boulder Highway north of East Flamingo Road, police said.

Officials are asking anyone with additional information on the case to call Henderson Police at 702-267-4750. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.