San jose husband accused of killing estranged wife, recording final moments

A fatal domestic dispute escalated into a homicide now detailed in court filings.

SAN JOSE, CA – A 55-year-old man is accused of killing his estranged wife inside their San Jose home early Monday, then recording images and video of her as she lay injured, according to court documents obtained by Law&Crime. The woman, 49, was found dead in a blood-spattered room after what prosecutors describe as a prolonged pattern of conflict leading up to the attack.

Shede Mao has been charged with murder in Santa Clara County following the killing, which investigators say occurred after months of arguments tied to the victim’s stated intent to divorce him. Court records allege Mao “took two photographs” and “took two video recordings” of his wife while she was “bloodied and injured” on the ground.

Escalating disputes before the killing

According to the filings, tensions between the couple had intensified in recent months. During one of several arguments earlier this year, the victim told Mao she wanted a divorce, a point prosecutors say contributed to the escalation.

A “roommate/coworker” told police the pair had a heated confrontation Sunday evening at a local shopping center. “He described Shede and [the victim] at each other’s face during the argument,” the court documents state.

Hours later, at about 12:45 a.m. Monday, the victim contacted a female friend by phone and text after the alleged assault began. The friend reported seeing “a photograph where [the victim] was on the ground bloody and with visible injuries,” according to the documents. She also saw a message containing a location “drop-pin.”

Emergency call and police response

The friend told investigators she repeatedly called both the victim and Mao. Mao eventually answered and asked her to contact emergency services. While on the phone, the friend reported hearing the victim say, “Help,” according to court records.

“She heard [the victim] refer to Shede as ‘husband’ and requested something to drink,” the documents say. “Shede responded that he was not her husband.”

Officers responding to the scene found the victim deceased inside the residence. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said police located Mao outside the home covered in blood and holding his phone.

Inside, investigators documented extensive blood evidence throughout a bedroom, including on a ceiling light fixture, door, walls, and carpet. Authorities recovered a machete with a “blood-stained blade” and two “blood-stained dumbbell free weights.”

Injuries and forensic evidence

Police reported the victim sustained severe head and face injuries, cuts to her right hand, and a severed finger. A forensic review of Mao’s phone confirmed the presence of images and videos allegedly taken during the aftermath of the attack, showing the victim “bloodied and injured,” according to the documents.

Mao is being held without bail. Court records show he is scheduled to appear July 30 for a plea hearing.

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