Details emerge in Heywood murder case
In the closely anticipated trial of Bogu Kailai, wife of disgraced political leader Bo Xilai, grim details have now emerged on the circumstances surrounding the death of British businessman Neil Heywood.
The trial, which opened August 9 and concluded in one day, was held at the Hefei Intermediate People’s Court in Anhui Province. Bogu and Zhang Xiaojun, an orderly at Bo’s home, were charged with the murder of Heywood over a financial dispute.
According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, Hefei prosecutor said Bogu deemed Heywood a threat to the safety of her son, and decided to kill Heywood. Heywood was accompanied by Zhang from Beijing to Chongqing and stayed in room 1605 of a resort hotel on Nanshan Mountain.
On the night of November 13, Bogu visited Heywood and drank tea and wine with him. When Heywood became inebriated and vomited, he asked for water. Zhang then put poison into Heywood’s mouth, which caused his death. Prosecutor said that Zhang acted as Bogu’s accomplice in the murder, according to Xinhua.
Bogu Kailai at the homicide trial in the Hefei Municipal Intermediate People's Court in Anhui Province, Aug 9, 2012. (Photo/Sina)
A total of 140 people were in the courtroom during the trial, including relatives of Heywood and defendants, officials from the British Embassy, members of the local party congress and people’s political consultative conference, reporters and local residents, said Xinhua.
The trial concluded without a verdict, which is expected soon, said Xinhua.
On July 30, Hefei prosecutors filed a case against four former Chongqing police officials suspected of covering up for Bogu. The trial will open August 10.
http://english.caixin.com/2012-08-09/100422017.html
Category: Society
