ebookland Chapter 1208 Li Ming's Deployment to Track Clues
Chapter 1208 Li Ming's Deployment to Track Clues
After the report, a brief silence fell over the meeting room. Li Ming tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze falling on the four keywords: "troublesome matter," "2 yuan transfer," "man in black," and "black sedan." "Now all the clues point in one direction—Li Kui was lured to the brick kiln with 2 yuan after discovering the suspect's secret (what he called 'troublesome matter'), and was subsequently murdered. The suspect then fled through the mining area in a black sedan and on a motorcycle."
“I think we should make breakthroughs from three directions,” Xiao Yang spoke first, pointing to the map of the mining road. “First, expand the scope of the investigation along the mining road, focusing on the woods and ditches on both sides of the road. The suspect may have discarded the tools used in the crime (such as blunt instruments or gloves) or Li Kui’s personal belongings (cell phone, wallet) when he fled. Second, delve deeper into Li Kui’s ‘troublesome affairs.’ Combined with his unusual behavior of ‘working overtime until late at night’ and ‘keeping an eye on things at the factory,’ we should investigate the vehicles recently repaired at Beishan Auto Repair Shop, especially black cars and motorcycles. Perhaps he discovered something unusual about a certain vehicle, such as collision marks or the presence of contraband. Third, track the black car that drove out of the mining road on the evening of August 18th. Through urban surveillance and traffic checkpoints, we can confirm the vehicle model and license plate and identify the driver.”
Zhang Lin offered additional suggestions: "The autopsy revealed a small amount of sleeping pills in Li Kui's stomach contents. Although the dose was small and not enough to be fatal, it could cause confusion and decreased resistance." He pulled up the test report, "This type of sleeping pill is a prescription drug and requires a doctor's prescription to purchase. I suggest checking hospitals and pharmacies around Beishan to see if any men between 178 and 182 centimeters tall have recently purchased the drug. Also, test Li Kui's water cup and the drinking water in his dormitory to confirm where the sleeping pills were administered."
“We can’t overlook the ‘ghost account’ that transferred 2 yuan,” Xiao Zhou said, opening a screenshot of the bank statement. “Although the source of the funds cannot be traced, these types of accounts usually have transactions with underground banks and gambling platforms. We can contact the financial regulatory authorities to check the account’s transaction records to see if it is related to other suspicious accounts, which may help us find the suspect’s financial network. In addition, the 2 yuan in cash that Li Kui withdrew is still missing. The suspect may have robbed the cash. We need to check the cash consumption records around Beishan after the incident, especially gas stations and convenience stores, as the suspect may have needed to refuel or buy supplies when he fled.”
Xiao Wang, however, focused on clues about the man in black: "We've already created a composite sketch of the man in black based on the description from our colleagues at the auto repair shop," he said, pulling up the sketch. "He's 178-182 cm tall, of medium build, wearing a black jacket and a black baseball cap, and is between 35 and 45 years old. We'll post the sketch in villages, auto repair shops, and gas stations around Beishan, and also ask villagers to provide clues, especially those who frequently travel along the mining road; perhaps someone has seen him."
After listening to everyone's opinions, Li Ming drew four core investigation directions on the whiteboard, circling "Investigation of Beishan Auto Repair Shop" and "Tracking of the Black Sedan" in red as the top priorities: "First group, led by Xiao Zhou, is responsible for investigating Beishan Auto Repair Shop, focusing on black sedans and motorcycles recently repaired, retrieving repair records and customer information from the auto repair shop, and interviewing Li Kui's colleagues and neighbors to delve into the specifics of the 'troublesome matter'; Second group, led by Xiao Wang, continues to track the black sedan's trajectory, expands the scope of the city's surveillance investigation, and organizes police forces to post composite sketches in villages around Beishan to collect clues; Third group, led by Xiao Yang, re-examines the abandoned mining road and the area on both sides, focusing on finding the blunt weapon used in the crime and Li Kui's personal belongings, with the technical department assisting in extracting trace evidence from the soil; Fourth group, Zhang Lin, in collaboration with the technical department, expedites the testing of the source of the sleeping pills, investigates surrounding hospitals and pharmacies, and conducts in-depth tracing of the 'ghost account'."
He paused, then emphasized, "The suspect has a strong counter-surveillance awareness. He chose to commit the crime in a remote brick kiln and even cleaned up the traces at the scene. We must break through as soon as possible to prevent the suspect from escaping or destroying evidence. Each team must keep the communication channels open and report any clues immediately. We will work in shifts around the clock and strive to find a key breakthrough within 72 hours."
Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting long, thin patches of light on the conference table. Xiao Zhou put a printed copy of the composite sketch into his bag, Xiao Wang organized the surveillance footage checklist, and Xiao Yang pulled out the crime scene investigation records. Everyone knew that the next 72 hours were crucial—finding the suspicious vehicle at the auto repair shop, tracking down the black sedan, and uncovering the truth behind the "trouble" could all completely unveil the case and give Li Kui's family closure.
"Meeting adjourned. We'll summarize the progress tomorrow at 4 PM." Li Ming closed the file, his fingertips gently tracing the photograph of Li Kui. The four gilded characters "Enforcing the Law for the People" on the meeting room wall were particularly eye-catching in the sunlight, illuminating the determination in everyone's eyes. As they left the meeting room, Xiao Zhou had already dialed the number for Beishan Auto Repair Shop, Xiao Wang had contacted the traffic department to retrieve city surveillance footage, and Xiao Yang and the technical team members carried their investigation equipment, preparing to head to Beishan again—a race against time had begun.
The morning air in Beishan carried the unique coolness of the mountains, and the mist had not yet completely dissipated. Xiao Yang, along with six members of the technical department, arrived at the entrance of the abandoned mining road once again. As per the deployment of the case analysis meeting, they needed to expand the scope of the investigation—not only to re-examine the mining road itself, but also to conduct a comprehensive search of the woods and gullies on both sides of the road, as well as the abandoned mine shafts along the way, looking for blunt weapons used in the crime, Li Kui's personal belongings (cell phone, wallet), or other traces left by the suspect.
"Divide into three groups. One group will search along the woods on the east side of the mining road, focusing on signs of soil disturbance and discarded items; the second group will be responsible for the gullies on the west side, paying attention to hidden clues under dead branches and fallen leaves; the third group will come with me to check the three abandoned mine shafts along the way. It's dark inside, so bring strong search lights and anti-slip equipment." Xiao Yang distributed the search equipment to the team members, and then carried a backpack containing luminol reagent, a fingerprint scanner, and an evidence bag, taking the lead on the mining road covered with gravel.
In the woods on the east side, team members Li and Wang, carrying reconnaissance lights, slowly made their way through waist-deep grass. The ground was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, and they had to proceed cautiously with each step, afraid of disturbing any traces. "Team Leader Yang, there's a patch of leaves here that's been disturbed!" Li suddenly stopped and pointed to a spot on the ground—several yellowish-brown leaves were clearly different from the surrounding natural accumulation, with fresh soil marks around their edges.