novelaction Chapter 1470 Research on Inter-Party Communication
Chapter 1470 Research on Inter-Party Communication
Xiao Yang stared at the photo of the ligature groove in the autopsy report and asked, "Forensic Doctor Zhang, were any skin tissue, fingerprints, or other residues of the murderer extracted from the ligature groove? Can we use these to identify the suspect?"
"Nothing has been found so far," Zhang Lin said confidently. "The perpetrator must have worn gloves when committing the crime. The surface of the wire is smooth, and no clear fingerprints were extracted. Only the victim's own skin tissue and subcutaneous tissue were extracted from the ligature groove. No skin tissue, hair, fibers, or other residues of the perpetrator were found. We have already conducted trace evidence tests, leaving no stone unturned. However, it seems that the perpetrator has strong counter-surveillance capabilities. They may have cleaned up the wire and the scene after committing the crime, leaving behind few identifiable traces."
He paused, then added, "In addition, we conducted a further examination of the deceased's clothing. The clothing was made of ordinary cotton and synthetic fibers, with no brand logos or special patterns. The soil on the clothing was consistent with the soil at the crime scene, and there were no other special attachments. The clothing was moderately worn, indicating that the deceased's economic conditions were average and that he did not belong to a high-income group."
Li Ming remained silent for a moment, then picked up the autopsy report and examined it repeatedly, his face grave. He had originally thought the autopsy would yield some breakthroughs, but unexpectedly, there were still no crucial clues about the victim's identity or the suspect. Instead, it further confirmed the killer's counter-investigation capabilities, making the case even more difficult to solve.
"Forensic Doctor Zhang, please notify us immediately once the results of the subsequent pathological examination, toxicology test, and trace evidence comparison are available," Li Ming said, looking up. "Thank you for your hard work. Although there are no new breakthroughs yet, the autopsy results have clarified the cause and time of death, giving us a more precise scope for our subsequent investigation."
"Don't worry, Captain Li, we'll keep an eye on the testing progress and report back as soon as we have any results." Zhang Lin nodded. "In addition, we've also extracted residue from the deceased's fingernails and hair samples. Although we haven't found anything abnormal so far, we'll conduct more detailed tests later, hoping to find a clue."
After seeing Zhang Lin and Xiao Lin off, the office fell silent again. Xiao Yang leaned back in his chair and rubbed his throbbing temples: "The autopsy results further confirmed the murder weapon and method, but still did not help identify the victim or the suspect. The murderer deliberately took the victim's belongings, cleaned up the scene, and framed Zhang Qiang. It was clearly premeditated, and the murderer was very familiar with the surrounding environment and Zhang Qiang's situation."
Holding the metal fragment, Xiao Sun frowned: "The only clues we have now are industrial paint, a piece of stainless steel cutting tool, and the '工' (gong) mark on the thin wire. We investigated the machine factory before, but it seems that the scope is still too narrow. The murderer may not be a factory worker, but someone involved in upstream or downstream processes related to machine repair and industrial production, or even someone who recycles scrap metal or sells second-hand tools."
"Moreover, the murderer knew Zhang Qiang, or at least was familiar with Zhang Qiang's work and lifestyle, knowing that he frequently used thin wire and cutting tools, which is why he deliberately left relevant physical evidence to frame him." Li Ming spoke slowly, his tone low. "Next, we need to adjust our investigation direction, focusing on Zhang Qiang, and investigating all relevant personnel, including his social relationships, colleagues, friends, and clients. We should pay special attention to those who match the murderer's physical characteristics, work in mechanical repair or industrial-related fields, and do not have an alibi for the time of the crime."
He paused, then continued, "At the same time, we will expand the scope of the missing persons comparison, not only comparing missing persons nationwide over the past year, but also comparing missing persons records over the past three years, especially males aged 40 to 45 with average economic conditions and experience in mechanical-related work. In addition, we will conduct a comprehensive investigation of scrap metal recycling stations, second-hand tool markets, and small repair shops within a five-kilometer radius of urban villages, verifying the identity of each person and the time of the crime."
"Understood, Captain Li," Xiao Yang and Xiao Sun replied in unison. Although the case was still at a dead end, at least a new direction for the investigation had been identified. The two immediately got up and began to plan the follow-up investigation work.
Night fell again, and the lights of the southern city gradually illuminated the scene, dispelling the daytime hustle and bustle, but unable to dispel the oppressive atmosphere in the Criminal Investigation Division office. Li Ming stood by the window, gazing at the traffic outside, his heart filled with anxiety. The victim's identity remained a mystery; the killer, like a ghost lurking in the darkness, left no crucial clues, instead repeatedly leading the police astray.
At this time, the technical department reported that further technical analysis confirmed the "工" (gong) mark on the wire belonged to a small hardware processing factory located in the suburbs. This factory primarily produced various thin iron wires, nails, and other basic hardware, supplying its products mainly to nearby hardware stores and small factories. However, due to the factory's chaotic management and lack of complete sales records, the buyer's information could not be determined.
Xiao Yang and Xiao Sun immediately led their team to the hardware processing factory on the outskirts of the city. The factory was small and dilapidated, with piles of various hardware parts and scrap materials at the entrance, and the air was filled with the smell of rust and machine oil. The factory manager was a middle-aged man in his fifties, who looked somewhat flustered after learning the purpose of the police's visit.
"Officer, our factory just produces ordinary thin iron wire and nails. We operate legally. I don't know what you need me for?" The factory manager rubbed his hands together, his tone somewhat uneasy.
Xiao Sun showed a photo of thin iron wire: "Do you recognize this kind of iron wire? It has your factory's '工' logo on it, so it's produced by your factory."
The factory manager looked at the photos carefully and nodded: "It is produced by our factory. This kind of thin iron wire is the most common low carbon steel wire, with a diameter of 0.3 centimeters. It is mainly used for binding things and has a large sales volume. Many hardware stores in the surrounding area get their supplies from us."
“近期有没有人单独来厂里购买这种铁丝？尤其是身高176至179厘米、体重65至70公斤、25至40岁的男性，从事机械维修相关工作。”小杨问道。
The factory manager frowned and recalled for a moment: "Our factory usually sells in bulk to hardware stores, and rarely retails. Occasionally, some nearby residents or small workshop owners come to buy a little, but they are all small purchases, and I can't remember exactly who they are. Moreover, we don't have surveillance cameras here, nor do we have sales records, so we can't check."
"Besides hardware stores, where else do you sell your factory's wire? Do you sell it to nearby machinery factories or repair shops?" Xiao Sun pressed.
“Several small machinery factories and repair shops come to purchase in bulk. They are all long-term cooperative clients. The machinery factory where Zhang Qiang works is one of our clients. They often come to buy this kind of thin iron wire,” the factory manager replied.