Chinese professor studying coronavirus shot dead in Pennsylvania

China Plus Published: 2020-05-07 11:31:13

Bing Liu, 37, a Chinese researcher and assistant professor, was found dead in his apartment on May 2, 2020, said Ross Township Police Department, Pennsylvania. The professor was on the verge of making very significant findings on the COVID-19 pandemic, according to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Bing Liu, 37, a Chinese researcher and assistant professor, was found dead in his apartment on May 2, 2020. [Photo: screenshot via University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s website]

Liu was murdered with gunshot wounds to the head, neck, torso and extremities, according to police. A man found dead in a nearby car is believed to have shot and killed Liu before returning to his car and taking his own life. The man was identified as Hao Gu, 46. Police believed the two men knew each other. Nothing was stolen from Liu’s home and there was no forced entry. Liu’s wife wasn’t at home when he was killed. They didn’t have any children.

Ross Township police Det. Sgt. Brian Kohlhepp said there is “zero indication that there was targeting due to his (Dr Liu) being Chinese.” The motive isn’t yet clear and the case is still under investigation.

The University also issued a statement: “The University of Pittsburgh is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Bing Liu, a prolific researcher and admired colleague at Pitt. The University extends our deepest sympathies to Liu’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings toward understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complications. We will make an effort to complete what he started in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence.”

Liu earned his bachelor and PhD degrees in Computer Science at the National University of Singapore, and did his postdoctoral studies in the lab of Professor Dr. Edmund Clarke at Carnegie Mellon University. He has worked as a research assistant professor at Pitt since 2014.