John Maxey Yeager, a 56-year-old man from Los Gatos, California, is facing charges for the murder of his 40-year-old spouse, YingYing “Dawn” Yu.
On January 8, 2024, following Yu’s prolonged absence from work since before the New Year, her employer alerted authorities, leading to the initiation of a murder investigation.
During the inquiry, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department noted Yeager’s inconsistent accounts regarding his wife’s location, which prompted a more detailed investigation into Yu’s disappearance and subsequent death.
Law enforcement officials suggest that a domestic dispute between Yu and Yeager on December 31, 2023, escalated and resulted in Yu’s death.
Yeager was taken into custody on January 11, 2024, in relation to the domestic violence incident. He is reported to have admitted to the murder during the initial investigation.
Evidence of foul play emerged as the investigation into Yu’s disappearance advanced.
This evidence led detectives to the Santa Cruz Mountains along Summit Road, where they found potential human remains believed to be Yu’s. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner is currently working to confirm the identification of these remains.
A probable cause affidavit indicates that a neighbor’s security camera captured Yu fleeing from her house, shouting for help. The footage allegedly shows Yeager seizing her by the shoulders and Yu questioning her husband about whether he intended to beat her to death inside the house.
Court records imply that Yeager used a rope to strangle Yu to death. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to compile evidence and information.
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has acknowledged the community’s support and trust during the investigation and extends its heartfelt condolences to those who knew Dawn Yu.
Yeager remains detained, without bail, at the Santa Clara County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and false imprisonment.
The Los Gatos-Monte Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
