Who is Bing Liu? Chinese coronavirus researcher, 37, was killed in ‘murder-suicide’ by Hao Gu
A SCIENTIST who was “on the verge of significant coronavirus findings” was killed over the weekend – but who was Dr Bing Liu?
Liu, 37, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in his Pittsburgh home on Saturday after a suspected murder-suicide.
Where did Dr Bing Liu work?
The Chinese scientist was a research assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine with an expertise in “computational modeling and analysis of biological systems dynamics.”
Liu is believed to have been on the verge of a breakthrough in his research into COVID-19.
The school said he was an “outstanding” and “prolific” researcher who stood out during the coronavirus crisis.
“He was just starting to obtain interesting results,” Ivet Bahar, the head of the computational and system biology department, told the Post-Gazette.
“He was sharing with us, trying to understand the mechanism of infection, so we will hopefully continue what he was doing.”
The university said in a statement: “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.”
The school noted that he co-authored at least 30 publications, including four in 2020, and a book.
“He was patient, intelligent, and extremely mature,” the university wrote. “We will miss him very much.”
He “was an excellent mentor,” the school said, and “generously” shared his time and knowledge with younger scientists.
Originally from China, Dr Liu received his Bachelor of Science and PhD in Computer Science at the National University of Singapore.
He did his postdoctoral studies at Carnegie Mellon University in the US.
He had recently been promoted to a Research Assistant Professor position at the University of Pittsburgh.
How did Dr Bing Liu die?
Dr Bing Liu died after being shot multiple times by software engineer Hao Gu as a result of a suspected love triangle.
Gu is believed to have entered Dr Liu’s house through an unlocked door before opening fire, hitting him in the head, neck and body.
Sgt Kohlhepp said: “Our investigation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Bing Lu and Hao Gu indicates that the actions that took place on Saturday May 2, 2020, was the result of a lengthy dispute regarding an intimate partner.
“We have found zero evidence that this tragic event has anything to do with employment at the University of Pittsburgh, any work being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh and the current health crisis affecting the United States and the world.
“Due to the fact that the individuals involved are not United States citizens and in accordance with long-standing protocol, our review has been forwarded to federal authorities.”
Police said: “Investigative leads developed throughout the weekend have led us to believe that the male from the car shot and killed the man in the townhome before returning to his own car and taking his own life.”
Who was Hao Gu?
Hao Gu, 46, was an award-winning software engineer who worked for Eaton at their Electrical facility in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a spokesperson told The Sun.
He had been working for the company as a software architect for 16 years.
He studied Computer Science at Tongi University in Shanghai, China, before going on to complete a Masters degree in Software Engineering at East Tennessee State University.
Detective Sgt Brian Kohlhepp told the Post-Gazette that Gu was from China, but had become a naturalized US citizen.
Cops believe Hao Gu died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was discovered in a nearby car in Ross Township, according to People.
Police did not address where Gu had acquired the gun, but said there were no legal issues surrounding the possession of the weapon, the Post-Gazette reported.
What are the conspiracy theories surrounding Liu’s death?
After it emerged that Dr Bing Liu was researching the coronavirus, numerous theories emerged online conspiring about the scientist’s death.
One user on Chinese social media platform Weibo wrote: “Oh my god.
“This seems like coming straight out of Mission Impossible.
“Perhaps he found out that the virus originated from an American lab.”
Another wrote that the incident seemed “too coincidental” while a third said there were “likely secrets hidden in the dark”.
Reports from the earliest stages of the crisis alleged that doctors and journalists were being harassed and detained for trying to raise the alarm.
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Rumours on Chinese social media in recent weeks have alleged without evidence that the virus actually broke out in the US, and that the American government is trying to cover up the fact.
Weibo users also speculated that Liu could have been targeted as a Chinese-born scientist working in the US, but again there is no evidence to suggest he was killed because of his ethnicity.
However, police have found “zero evidence” that the researcher’s death was anything to do with his work on the coronavirus.