Diary of a Criminal Investigator-Chapter 361: Arresting the Suspect

This is experience.

Lu Chuan found a problem, but was absolutely baffled.

Even though he knew there was an issue and had studied cases of delayed murder, learning about it is different from experiencing it firsthand, which leaves a deeper impression.

For example, Qin Yong, who went through it eighteen years ago, still hasn’t forgotten it, and immediately thought of this possibility.

"Captain Qin... what should we do now?"

What to do?

Whether Zhang Chao committed a delayed murder is still just speculation.

However, based on Lu Chuan’s analysis of the thirty-some overlapping footprints at the scene, if the analysis is correct, then Zhang Chao is definitely the last person to enter the scene.

Moreover, the footprints Zhang Chao left when he last entered the scene don’t match his claim of not entering the room at the time.

"First arrest him, then interrogate!"

Just based on the discrepancies between Lu Chuan’s findings and Zhang Chao’s description, the Criminal Investigation Team has enough reason to arrest him.

"Are we going to restart the homicide investigation mechanism?"

Old Cao, the office director, asked.

Qin Yong thought for a moment—since the suspect is already apprehended, it essentially means restarting the case.

"Alright, you go ahead and report the situation to the City Bureau. I’ll organize a team to form a special task force."

"Got it!"

Restarting a homicide case involves a lot of procedural work; it’s not something the Criminal Investigation Team can unilaterally decide.

There must be clear evidence or a direction for solving the case, as restarting the mechanism implies significant resource consumption and requires City Bureau approval.

Additionally, the Criminal Investigation Team needs to allocate personnel to form a special task force specifically for this case.

This means many other tasks and arrangements will be disrupted.

For instance, the ongoing follow-up work on cold cases by Action Group One and Two will require personnel adjustments.

Fortunately, the cases Lu Chuan dealt with earlier weren’t major ones compared to this homicide, which clearly takes priority.

"Captain Qin, I’ll step aside temporarily. The foundational work is done, and there’s not much left concerning the Crime Scene Investigation; the main focus now is interrogation."

Yes.

Qin Yong responded, acknowledging that Lu Chuan is correct—the key now is apprehending the suspect and conducting interrogations.

There shouldn’t be any issue with apprehension, since the Wang Huifang murder case has been unresolved for four years, and the team has kept up with developments annually, with Qin Yong personally inquiring multiple times.

Zhang Chao, as Wang Huifang’s husband, has always been the focal point of the team’s communications.

Therefore, arresting him poses no issue; what’s critical is the interrogation.

Whether Zhang Chao utilized the delayed murder technique depends on breakthroughs during the interrogation.

The key evidence lies in Lu Chuan’s footprint analysis, which is the strongest evidence against Zhang Chao.

Unless Zhang Chao can provide a reasonable explanation, it indicates he is the murderer.

"Alright then, be diligent with your tasks, but don’t overwork yourself. Make sure you take time to rest and balance work with relaxation."

Qin Yong’s expression of concern wasn’t eloquent, yet his attitude was warm and approachable.

As the leader of the Criminal Investigation Team, it was rare for Qin Yong to be so mild-mannered.

His office frequently echoed with his loud rebukes.

There was no choice—there were many cases to handle.

"Captain Qin, rest assured. I’ll first analyze the fingerprint you brought and take a break afterward."

Lu Chuan offered a Chunghwa cigarette to Qin Yong and lit it for him.

Lu Chuan understood the intricacies of social interactions; subordinates should cater to things their leaders care about.

Qin Yong’s visit was partially to check on him and partially because of the fingerprint.

"Lu, work hard on this fingerprint. If there’s any breakthrough..."

Qin Yong roughly knew about the case involving Cheng Zihao—if it’s solved, it won’t just be a simple case.

Moreover, Lu Chuan provided initial insights and speculations early on.

Cheng Zihao got the fingerprint thanks to Lu Chuan’s leads.

If Lu Chuan achieves success, given the case’s importance, he might earn a second-class merit award.

"This case involves significant matters, so just do your best."

Lu Chuan caught on to what Qin Yong implied and immediately stood upright: "Rest assured, Captain, I’ll do my utmost!"

After Qin Yong left, Lu Chuan didn’t rest but instead focused on the fingerprint.

Blood fingerprint?

From the perspective of fingerprint identification, blood fingerprints are among the favorites of crime scene investigators.

Due to the presence of blood, the fingerprint is more distinct, making it easier to analyze and identify.

The fingerprint in question was severely fragmented and had signs of tampering.

Based on Lu Chuan’s judgment, the murderer likely cleaned the fingerprints on the weapon post-crime, attempting to wipe it but left it incomplete due to anxiety at the time.

This resulted in this key clue being left behind.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Chuan began studying the identification methods.

Meanwhile, Qin Yong was personally organizing the apprehension operation.

"Sun Jun, you handle the apprehension. Just one requirement—ensure everyone’s safety!"

"Boss, don’t worry, let’s go!"

An hour later.

Interrogation Room.

"Why did you arrest me?"

The arrest went smoothly; Zhang Chao was seized during his lunch break at work, caught in the cafeteria.

Now, he was sitting handcuffed on the interrogation chair.

"Zhang Chao," Sun Jun personally oversaw the pre-interrogation: "Still putting on an act for us?"

"Hmph, you’ve been quite sly, fooling the police for four years and feeling accomplished?"

"Group Leader Sun, I don’t understand your claims. My wife was murdered, and you’ve failed to solve it for four years—now you’re arresting me?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"What are you doing?"

"I demand you release me immediately, apologize publicly at my workplace, and restore my reputation!"

"Release you? Your reputation?"

"Zhang Chao! The case has been open for four years. Do you think we’d arrest you without any evidence?"

Zhang Chao’s expression slightly shifted at the mention of evidence but quickly regained composure: "I don’t know what evidence you have, but I was at work during my wife’s murder, attending a meeting. Everyone can vouch for me."

"I wasn’t at home. Based on what are you arresting me?"

Becoming more agitated, Zhang Chao continued: "You incompetent police—four years and you haven’t caught my wife’s killer. Now you’re arresting me."

"I’ll sue you all!"

"Where is the justice in this?"

Justice?

Sue us?

Sun Jun snorted coldly: "Do you really believe your act was flawless, that no one would suspect you used delayed murder tactics?"

Delayed murder?

With Sun Jun’s mention of those words, Zhang Chao’s rage suddenly subsided, and his expression changed rapidly.