Chinese community seeks more protection after Durham restaurateur gunned down

Hong Zheng and his wife were returning home after closing their Chinese restaurant on April 15 when they were ambushed by men in their driveway in the 4600 block of Carlton Crossing Drive.

Zheng was gunned down in his car, and his wife, Shirley Chan, was grazed by bullets. Still, she was able to return fire with a gun the family keeps on hand to fend off robbery attempts.

Maurice Owen Wiley Jr., 28, arrested Friday morning in the 600 block of East Ellerbee Street and charged in Zheng's death, police said.

He made his first appearance in court Monday when he asked for a court-appointed attorney to represent him on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted first-degree burglary and six counts each of discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle or residence and discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle or residence causing serious bodily injury.

After the brief hearing, Wiley's father said he doesn't believe his son was involved in the crime.

"I'm devastated. I'm devastated because I know my son," he said.

Zheng's daughter said her parents had been the target of robberies before.

Chinese community leaders have been in contact with the Durham City Council and have a meeting with Mayor Steve Schewel next week to discuss concerns about the safety of Chinese restaurant owners.

Some have also reached out to Gov. Roy Cooper, and spokeswoman Noelle Talley said the Governor's Office is trying to put the group in touch with law enforcement authorities.

"Gov. Cooper is concerned about the recent violence and wants to see justice done in this case," Talley said in an email. "Our office has requested that the State Bureau of Investigation reach out to the Chinese-American community to provide additional safety guidance."

Wiley also faces charges of assault on a female, communicating threats, assault by pointing a gun, assault in the presence of a minor and misdemeanor larceny in connection with a domestic violence case in Durham last year, assault by strangulation in connection with a March domestic violence case in Wake County and two drug offenses after officers found drugs in his possession during his arrest.

Zheng's shooting remains under investigation, police said, and anyone with information is asked to call the Durham Police Department at 919-560-4440, extension 29284, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.