Persons of interest eyed in double homicide case

The Department of Public Safety has reportedly identified “persons of interest” in the case involving the homicide that occurred at a Finasisu home last Thursday.

This comes as the female victim, Liu Shuping (also known as Lily), was pronounced dead at 8:01pm last Monday evening after being on life support at the Commonwealth Health Center since being found last Thursday in her residence.

Her partner, Wang Jingdong, was the first to succumb to his injuries as he was found dead in the same location.

The CNMI is now officially dealing with a double homicide case.

According to DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau commander Jeff Olopai, CIB has identified several persons of interest in this case.

“There are several persons we are looking into at this point in time. We have identified several people of interest, but we have not implemented travel bans at this time. We believe there was more than one individual in the residence [during the] incident. We are hoping to get more feedback from the community and more tips. That’s all we have right now,” he said.

As DPS dives deeper into their investigation into the homicides, it was discovered that the couple had called for police assistance two weeks prior to the murder to report a break-in. DPS now says there is a possibility that the previous break in may be tied to the murders.

“The victims had called for police assistance two weeks prior to the murder, reporting a break-in. There’s a possibility that the break-in had something to do with the homicide. Police continue to investigate this angle. We are still trying to determine if the murders were random and a result of a random burglary, or if it was more deliberate, like it was ordered or planned out. No motive has been determined yet,” he said.

Olopai said a murder weapon has been identified but could not disclose further details in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

“We can disclose that there was a weapon used in this case. We cannot disclose how it was determined at this time. Domestic violence has been ruled out. DPS is in the process of sending off evidence found at the crime scene, like fingerprints, while a medical examiner has since conducted an autopsy on the victims,” he said.

Dr. Phillip Dauterman conducted the autopsies.

Olopai also noted that the male victim, Wang, is known to police as he previously lived near a residence that was once being investigate for illegal drugs. He was never investigated.

As the investigation continues, DPS has called on federal partners.

“They’re helping us in terms of going through cellphone records, border crossings, departures, arrivals,” he said.

DPS Commissioner Clement Bermudes said he is determined to keep the public updates regarding the killings and also seeks the assistance of the community in closing the case.

“We regret to inform the public that we are now dealing with a double homicide and our sympathy goes out to the family who arrived over the weekend to identify the deceased. Any information and any tips will be useful. Our Criminal Investigation Bureau has been working long days to see and follow every angle, every possibility in this double homicide. We all want closure in this case. Every little detail helps as it could be an important piece to this puzzle,” he said.

Bermudes encourages anyone who may know anything, no matter how small the detail, to call DPS or Crimes Stoppers if they want to remain anonymous.

“We are pursuing every possible angle. I know the public has their own theories so we want to make sure we’re following every angle so every tip is useful to ensure that we can provide closure for this case and for the family so that the community feels safer. I know there is hesitance from the community but we’re committed to ensuring the safety of our community,” he said.