In a case that has captured international attention, Chinese lawyer Xu Yao was executed for the murder of billionaire Lin Qi, a key figure in bringing the popular sci-fi series ‘The Three-Body Problem’ to Netflix. The execution, reported by Chinese state media, marks the conclusion of a high-profile legal saga that began in 2020.
The Crime
Xu Yao, who had been working closely with Lin Qi, poisoned the billionaire by giving him pills laced with lethal toxins. These pills were presented as probiotics but contained deadly substances that Xu had procured from the dark web. The poisoning occurred in December 2020, and Lin Qi succumbed to the toxins on Christmas Day of that year.
Lin Qi was a prominent figure in the gaming industry and had secured the rights to adapt Liu Cixin’s acclaimed trilogy, ‘The Three-Body Problem,’ into a Netflix series. His untimely death at the age of 39 shocked the entertainment world and fans of the series alike.
Legal Proceedings
Following Lin’s death, Xu Yao was quickly identified as the prime suspect. The court found that Xu had a dispute with Lin over company management issues, which led him to meticulously plan the murder. Xu’s methods were reportedly inspired by the American TV series ‘Breaking Bad,’ and he had set up a lab to experiment with various toxins.
In addition to Lin’s murder, Xu had also poisoned beverages in the offices of two other executives, causing illness among four colleagues, though they survived. His actions were detailed in court, painting a picture of premeditated and calculated criminal behavior.
Reactions
The execution was confirmed by Three Body Universe, the company previously owned by Lin Qi, which expressed gratitude for the justice served. The case has been widely covered by Chinese media, despite the country’s strict state censorship, due to its sensational nature and the involvement of high-profile figures.
This case highlights the darker side of corporate disputes and the lengths to which individuals may go when personal and professional conflicts intersect. It also underscores the swift and severe nature of the Chinese legal system in dealing with such crimes.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
