John Maxey Yeager, a 56-year-old man from Los Gatos, California, is facing charges for the alleged murder of his wife, YingYing “Dawn” Yu, who was 40.
The investigation into Yu’s murder was initiated when her employer reported her missing on January 8, 2024, following a lack of communication since before the New Year.
During the investigation, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department noticed inconsistencies in Yeager’s statements about his wife’s location. This led to a more thorough probe into Yu’s disappearance and her subsequent death.
The police allege that a domestic dispute between Yu and Yeager transpired on New Year’s Eve 2023, resulting in Yu’s death.
Yeager was arrested on January 11, 2024, in relation to the domestic violence incident, after the initial investigation. He is reported to have confessed to the murder.
As the investigation advanced, evidence indicating foul play in Yu’s disappearance began to surface.
Investigators were led to the Santa Cruz Mountains on Summit Road, where they found potential human remains, believed to be Yu’s. The remains are currently undergoing positive identification by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner.
The investigators have allegedly obtained security footage from a neighbor’s house, showing Yu running out of her home and calling for help. The footage also reportedly shows Yeager grabbing Yu, who asked her husband if he planned to beat her to death in their home.
Court documents indicate that Yeager may have strangled Yu using a rope. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence.
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has thanked the community for their cooperation and trust during the investigation and extends its heartfelt condolences to those who were close to Dawn Yu.
Yeager is currently held without bail at the Santa Clara County Jail. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and false imprisonment.
The Los Gatos-Monte Police Department is appealing to anyone with additional information to come forward.
