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Police: 'Zero Evidence' Murder Of Pitt Researcher Close To 'Making Very Significant Findings' On Coronavirus Was Related To His Work

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - Police say there's "zero evidence" the death of a Pitt researcher killed in an apparent murder-suicide has anything to do with his work on coronavirus.

Dr. Bing Liu, who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide, was close to "making very significant findings" related to the coronavirus, his department at the University of Pittsburgh said.

On May 2, Ross Township Police said 37-year-old Dr. Bing Liu was found dead in his home on Elm Court from apparent gunshot wounds to his head, neck and torso. Investigators say they now believe his death is a homicide.

Bing Liu
(Photo Credit: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)

A second man, later identified as Hao Gu, was also found dead in his car on Charlemagne Circle, near Elm Court. Police say it appears he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

According to police, the two victims knew each other. Investigators say they believe the male found in his car shot and killed the man in the Elm Court home before coming back to his car and taking his own life.

Ross Township Police released their findings on Wednesday, saying they believe the apparent murder-suicide was the result of a "lengthy dispute regarding an intimate partner."

MEDIA ADVISORY ROSS POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020 Our investigation of the circumstances...

Posted by Ross Township Police Department on Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Police say their investigation has revealed "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."

According to Ross Township Police, neither victims were U.S. citizens, so their review is being forwarded to federal authorities.

Liu was a research assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, his department said on Monday.

"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 department said on its website.

The University of Pittsburgh released this statement Tuesday:

"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."

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