A professor who was close to making "very significant findings" in coronavirus died from an apparent murder-suicide over the weekend. According to CNN, the researcher and professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Bing Liu, was found dead in his townhouse on Saturday. Police said that he suffered gunshot wounds to the head, torso, and neck.
The police later found another man, who has yet to be identified, dead in his cat from a gunshot wound nearby. Police believe that the man murdered Liu in his home before returning to his vehicle where he committed suicide. Police noted that the two men likely know each other, though that aspect is still under investigation. Detective Sgt. Brian Kohlhepp indicated that there is "zero indication that there was targeting due to his (Liu) being Chinese."
In a statement the university said they are "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."
Adding, "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."
Those who worked close to ping promised to finish Liu's research "in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence."