Chinese professor in US with ‘significant findings’ on Covid-19 shot dead

A US based Chinese professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said to have been on the verge of “very significant findings” related to coronavirus was murdered in his residence on Saturday, May 2.

Dr Bing Liu, 37 had just started out with researching and was beginning to obtain “interesting results”, before the unfortunate incident happened, a state’s tabloid had reported

He died of injuries after he was struck by bullets in the head, neck and torso.

The suspected attacker Hao Gu, 46, believed to be an acquaintance of the deceased was said to have allegedly gained access into Liu’s Elm Court townhouse through an unlocked door and opened fire.

According to the police, Gu returned to his car parked a few yards away from Liu’s residence and opened fire on himself as self inflicted gunshot wounds were found on him.

The school has mourned the loss in a statement describing the deceased as an “outstanding” and “prolific” researcher.

“Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings towards understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complication”

“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.” the statement read.

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Dr Ivert Bahar, Head of Computational and Systems Biology Department where Liu had served stated that the husband and author “was sharing and trying to understand the mechanism of infection”.

“We will hopefully continue what he was doing.” Ivert added.

Meanwhile, the police are yet to speculate the motive behind what they’ve called a ‘murder suicide’.

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