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'Generous' murder suspect arrested

By Wang Huazhong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-05-14 09:52

The Ximeng political advisory body has denied reports that an alleged murderer on the run for 13 years is a member of the committee.

The Ximeng committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference said businessman He Xiaoping, who was recently arrested for the fatal stabbing of a debtor, lied about membership to create a "nice guy image".

The fugitive was detained on April 22 for the alleged murder of a man who owed money to He's friend, in Zhongxian county, Chongqing, on January 15, 1996.

He was arrested by the Zhongxian public security bureau on Monday. Yesterday, the Chongqing Morning Post reported He was a Ximeng committee member and that the suspect had spent the past 13 years living under an assumed name in Ximeng in the Wa ethnic minority autonomous county, Yunnan province.

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It also reported that He gave away 4 million yuan ($590,000) to promote the wellbeing of Ximeng's residents.

Speaking to China Daily yesterday, Yuan Jianqiang, secretary-general of the Ximeng committee said the Chongqing newspaper report was false.

"He was not a member of the committee and only participated once in a meeting held by the committee."

"He fabricated stories about philanthropy and committee membership to create a 'nice guy' image so he would face a lighter penalty for his alleged crime," Yuan said.

Yuan said the suspect owned hotels and recreational facilities.

Wang Xianli, a lawyer familiar with the case, said that even if He had donated 4 million yuan, it would not buy him fewer years in jail.