Diary of a Criminal Investigator-Chapter 379: Journey to Huangzhou

This case analysis meeting lasted a long time, as everyone had different speculations and opinions about the case.

"I suggest we pay a visit to Huangzhou."

Ren Qiang spoke again: "When Wang Lili went missing, there were actually some clues left behind over there, but everyone also knows that when it comes to missing adults, the local police force is generally not very large."

"So I was thinking, can we send a team to Huangzhou to take a look? When Wang Lili went missing last year, it was impossible for the murderer to have had no contact with her whatsoever, right?"

"The incident isn’t that long ago, and the local officers should have a clear impression. We should take advantage of this timing to investigate thoroughly."

This is also a clue that Qin Yong was considering.

The root of the Wang Lili murder case lies in her disappearance in Huangzhou.

Another point is the timing of Wang Lili’s murder.

Was she killed immediately after going missing last year, and then the murderer stored her body in a cold place until a month ago when they dumped it in Haizhou City, or was she not killed immediately after going missing but was held captive?

Both scenarios are possible.

"The people at the landfill are in place, and excavation at the site can begin."

Someone entered the meeting room, arranged by Qin Yong to contact the landfill personnel.

"Alright, does anyone have anything to add?"

Qin Yong glanced around and, seeing that no one else spoke, began assigning work tasks.

"Alright, based on everyone’s assessments, we will divide into groups to carry out our work."

"The first group, led by Sun Jun, will be responsible for investigating all vehicles that arrived at the landfill from North Mountain a month ago."

"Take note, do not miss any vehicles. Focus on those traveling from the two North Mountain exits, passing the ring road, and reaching the landfill entrance."

"Especially at night, particularly in the early morning hours when the landfill is empty, the perfect time for the suspect to dispose of the body."

This is a crucial point, as everyone just mentioned, the perpetrator couldn’t have carried the body by themselves and must have used a vehicle.

Now, with the confirmation of North Mountain as an initial location, this clue is currently the most likely to unveil new insights.

"Additionally, we mustn’t restrict our investigations solely to vehicles from North Mountain. We should also include all vehicles that exited the ring road at the landfill a month ago within our investigation scope."

"Pay particular attention to vehicles that briefly exit and then re-enter the freeway."

The suspect wouldn’t spend too much time dumping the body. Typically, from the ring road landfill exit to the landfill should take only three to five minutes by car, and the perpetrator would have taken at most half an hour to an hour to dispose of the body, no more.

This still considers the difficulty of approaching the body disposal site from the roadside.

Sun Jun noted everything down; these were some scenarios he had already anticipated, although they would still require more detailed planning.

Deploying a wide net to catch small fish, as such is the work of investigation.

"The second group, led by Ren Qiang, will primarily handle door-to-door investigations around North Mountain."

"The suitcase containing the body had traces of the distinctive clay from North Mountain inside it, indicating that either the body or the murderer stayed in North Mountain, coupled with traces of freezing on the body, we have reason to believe the body was stored at the North Mountain Cold Chain Logistics Park."

"Check all the cold storage warehouses in North Mountain’s logistics park as soon as possible. The search must be thorough, leaving no corner unchecked. Also, check whether the perpetrator created any hiding spots inside the cold storages; it’s impossible for them to store a body openly. You must organize well." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Your speed must be fast and extremely detailed."

After arranging the two most critical tasks, Qin Yong paused slightly.

Huangzhou...

Ren Qiang’s earlier suggestion aligned with what Qin Yong was thinking.

With Wang Lili disappearing in Huangzhou and her body being found in Haizhou City, it’s unavoidable that they need to go check the situation over there.

But, who should be sent?

Ren Qiang and Sun Jun couldn’t be moved, as both were experienced and handling the two most critical leads here, they couldn’t be spared.

Others...

Ah, the Criminal Investigation Team has several action groups, but Qin Yong trusts the first and second groups the most; honestly, Qin Yong fears the others may not be up to the task.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Yong looked at Zhang Hui from the second group.

"Zhang Hui, you will still be the one to go to Huangzhou, take a few people and properly assess the situation there, and..."

Qin Yong surveyed the room, then specifically named someone: "Lu Chuan, you will accompany him on this trip to Huangzhou."

Me?

Lu Chuan was slightly surprised; he didn’t expect Qin Yong to name him for the Huangzhou trip.

Technically, as a forensic detective, Lu Chuan wasn’t required to go on field assignments, particularly not in cases involving out-of-town investigative pursuits.

But Lu Chuan did not question or oppose the decision in public; a leader’s arrangement naturally has its reasoning, so he decided to comply.

Indeed, Qin Yong explained: "Although Lu Chuan is a technical detective, he is meticulous and good at spotting subtle clues. Work well with Zhang Hui over there, and strive for a breakthrough."

"Meeting adjourned!"

The case analysis meeting concluded at ten o’clock in the evening.

Yet even at this hour, no one was resting; each group was organizing tasks, possibly convening again later to plan out subsequent operations.

Zhang Hui took less than half an hour to coordinate and confirm the personnel for the Huangzhou trip with the other teams.

In total, there were two additional people, making four including Zhang Hui and Lu Chuan.

"Lu, it looks like we’ll have to work hard tonight. The earliest train to Huangzhou departs tomorrow afternoon, and if we wait until then, it’ll already be too late."

"So, you’ll need to quickly pack up your things. We’re setting off tonight by car to Huangzhou. The four of us can take turns driving, and we should reach Huangzhou by midday tomorrow."

The distance between Haizhou City and Huangzhou is approximately a thousand kilometers, requiring at least twelve to thirteen hours to drive.

Zhang Hui’s suggestion to depart immediately by car is indeed the most efficient, better than taking a train, since if they left by train the next afternoon, they’d only reach the day after tomorrow.

However, considering it’s already eleven at night and everyone has been busy the entire day, hitting the road now...

It would undoubtedly result in dangerous driving due to fatigue; Lu Chuan himself felt his eyes struggling to stay open.

"Brother Hui, there’s no need to complicate things. I just checked there’s a flight to Huangzhou early in the morning, taking only two hours, arriving around ten o’clock. Flying is quicker than driving."

Zhang Hui chuckled bitterly; of course, I know flying is faster.

But the issue is, did you ask Captain Qin if we’d be reimbursed for air tickets?

"As per regulations, we aren’t eligible for air travel reimbursement at our level."

"No need for reimbursement; I’ll cover the cost myself. Brother Hui, also the rest of you, hand me your IDs."