A molecular biologist at the University of Pittsburgh was found dead last weekend in what police believe was a murder-suicide, according to multiple reports.
Ross Township police discovered the body of Dr. Bing Liu, 37 in his home with gunshots to his head, neck, torso, and extremities, according to a statement from the department. A second man, identified as 46-year-old Hao Gu, was found dead in his vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to reports.
Police said the men knew one another, but didn’t reveal a possible motive behind the incident.
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The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the department where Bing worked, said on its website on Monday:
“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. We will make an effort to complete what he started in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence.”
“His loss will be felt throughout the entire scientific community. Please keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts. Thank you.”
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Liu was further described as a leader and mentor who developed quantitative models for a range of complex processes, providing valuable insight both in the lab and to clinicians. The University of Pittsburgh released this statement Tuesday:
“The University of Pittsburgh is 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.”
According to police, the two victims knew each other. Investigators say they believe the male found in his car shot and killed the man in the Elm Court home before coming back to his car and taking his own life.
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Dr Ivet Bahar, head of the Computational and Systems Biology Department, said Liu had only recently begun researching COVID-19 and ‘was just starting to obtain interesting results,’ according to the Daily Mail.
Ross Township detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motives for the crime. They said Tuesday that there appears to be no indication the researcher’s death had any connection to his work.
