The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that Menghan Zhuang, whose preferred name was Emily King, has died off campus, and her death is being investigated as a homicide. Emily was a senior undergraduate studying art at CalArts and a valued member of our campus community. Our community is devastated by this loss, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, classmates and teachers.
The death occurred off campus, and the LASD has said this was an isolated incident and not a random act of violence. There is no evidence of any threat to the CalArts community. CalArts is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Grief counselors are on campus to support our students, faculty, and staff, in addition to our regular counseling and support services. A memorial gathering for the campus community is being planned.
The CalArts community is working together to process the tragic loss of our friend, student, and community member. We hope the following resources may be helpful to you as you seek information and support now and in the days ahead.
Information About the Investigation
The LASD is investigating Emily’s death as a homicide. CalArts is cooperating with the investigation, and we are grateful that we were able to help the Sheriff’s Department contact Emily’s family.
Detectives are asking for the public’s help in their investigation. They have distributed a picture of a person of interest:
If you believe you have any information that may be helpful to the case, call LASD at 323-890-5500 and ask for Detectives Frudakis or Duncan. If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit Crime Stoppers or call 800-222-8477.
Emotional Support Resources
- Grief counselors will be available on campus weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm in suite F305 to support any member of our community—students, faculty, and staff. Over the Feb. 15-17 holiday weekend, AcademicLiveCare is available (see below).
- All community members can also speak to an AcademicLiveCare counselor immediately, 24/7, by calling 866-349-5575 or texting “Hello” to 61295.
- For students, CalArts counselors are available by appointment in the Wellness Center, F201.
- Faculty and staff have access to counseling through CalArts’ employee assistance program (EAP). Call 800-386-7055 to contact them.
Media Inquiries
Any inquiries or questions from the media should be directed to Ann Wiens, vice president for communications, at communications@calarts.edu or 661-554-0735.
Remembering Emily
The School of Art, Student Affairs, and President’s Office are working with Emily’s family to plan a gathering and presentation of Emily’s work for our CalArts community. We’ll share more information as soon as we have the details.
We are also planning a page on CalArts’ website celebrating Emily, her life, and her art. If you have a quote or image you’d like to share, please email communications@calarts.edu.
Emily’s family has requested that members of the community refrain from contacting them directly at this time.