Xiaojing Dong was a respected UC Berkeley professor whose life was cut short under circumstances that remain under investigation by Bay Area authorities. Now, her family says squatters have taken over the home left to her twin children, adding another layer of tragedy to an already devastating loss.
Background
Dong, who taught in the university's mathematics department for more than a decade, was found dead inside her residence in an apparent homicide that shocked the academic community. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has been investigating the case since her body was discovered. Her twins, who inherited the property upon her death, say they recently traveled to check on the home and made a disturbing discovery: strangers had broken in and were living there illegally.
The Investigation
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office confirmed that reports have been filed regarding the unauthorized occupation of Dong's residence. Authorities are treating the squatter situation as a separate matter from the ongoing homicide investigation into Dong's death. Detectives have collected evidence from both scenes, though no arrests have been announced in connection with either case. The sheriff's office stated that investigators are working to identify all individuals who may have entered the property without authorization and are reviewing security footage from the neighborhood.
Key Takeaways
- Xiaojing Dong was a long-time UC Berkeley mathematics professor found dead at her Bay Area home
- Alameda County Sheriff's Office is investigating her death as a homicide
- Squatters allegedly infiltrated the residence after her death, while it sat empty
- The twins who inherited the property discovered the squatters during a recent visit
- Authorities are treating the unlawful entry and homicide investigation as separate matters
- No arrests have been announced in connection with either case
What's Next
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office continues its homicide investigation into Dong's death, though officials have not disclosed a timeline for when charges might be filed. Separately, authorities say they are working to remove the unauthorized occupants from the property and are asking anyone with information about who may have entered the home after Dong's death to come forward. The twins, through a family representative, said they are cooperating fully with investigators.