Chapter 1012: The Possibility of Acquittal

Of course, what should we do about the situation now?

Should we directly arrest Wang Meili’s daughter?

In the office, everyone knew that silence wasn’t a solution.

This situation requires a handling plan.

“Gentlemen, if the situation Captain Xin has discovered or his speculation turns out to be true, let’s discuss what our next steps should be.”

Lu Chuan broke the silence; this was the moment he needed to speak.

The three exchanged glances.

Wang Zhaokai sighed and said, “From the perspective of upholding the dignity of the law, no matter who commits a crime, no matter what kind of person commits a crime, as police officers, we must bring criminals to justice.”

There’s no fault in this statement.

The criminal suspects vary in age, and in some case examples, the younger the suspect, the more serious the crime they might commit because their worldview is still immature without enough reverence for the law, freedom, and life.

However, the situation involving Wang Meili’s daughter is somewhat different.

“Old Wang, I don’t disagree with your point; upholding the dignity of the law is our duty as police officers. But each case needs specific analysis and examination. If in this case, Sun Biao’s investigation results are correct and his speculation is true, then why was Zhang Chao killed?”

Chen Jiang posed a rhetorical question.

“You must know, Zhang Chao was Wang Meili’s daughter’s stepfather, committing such heinous acts. Does Wang Meili’s daughter not have the right to resist?”

“Of course, she does, but we can’t be the ones to judge this.”

Wang Zhaokai obviously knew this point.

“If Sun Biao’s speculation is true—and personally, I feel this possibility is very high—then Wang Meili’s daughter should have been in a state of self-defense. Whether it can be ruled as excessive defense, I’m not sure, given she was being assaulted at that moment. It’s possible that her counter-attack could be judged as legitimate defense and she might be released without charges.”

Wang Zhaokai continued with his thoughts, “Right now, it’s impossible to proceed with handling Wang Meili’s murder logic because the evidence chain is insufficient, and it won’t pass when filing charges.”

“Currently, there’s no evidence supporting that Zhang Chao engaged in domestic violence, and Wang Meili’s description of the murder process doesn’t match our findings from the bone sampling.”

“We certainly can’t help him fabricate evidence for this case, that would…”

Wang Zhaokai looked at everyone, “Besides, haven’t we considered, if it is determined that Wang Meili killed someone, even confirming that Zhang Chao engaged in domestic violence won’t necessarily classify Wang Meili’s actions as defensive. I think the chance is minimal, and her later actions of concealing Zhang Chao’s death do not qualify for lenient treatment.”

“And don’t forget Wang Meili’s actions of burying the corpse. This alone could constitute grounds for harsher treatment, so the likelihood of ruling accidental killing during trial is very low; the likelihood of intentional homicide is indeed very high. After all, domestic violence may not directly threaten her life.”

“There have been such cases before, and consequently, the trial result could be life imprisonment or even the death penalty; the death penalty is indeed possible.”

Wang Zhaokai looked at everyone.

Then, he focused his gaze on Lu Chuan.

“Captain Lu, I think we as police, regardless of the situation, should handle cases based on base implementation and sanction, and handle things according to the facts. Certain matters should not be swayed by our personal will.”

Lu Chuan shook his head.

He understood nonetheless.

But Wang Meili’s daughter… she has only a few months before the college entrance exam.

If we proceed with handling the case now, it could ruin her entire life.

“Captain Lu, what is your opinion?”

“Captain Lu, we’re listening to you.”

The three ultimately looked towards Lu Chuan.

As the captain of the Criminal Investigation Team, Lu Chuan would certainly need to make the final decision in this type of situation.

“The case… still needs to be further investigated.”

Lu Chuan started to speak.

Wang Zhaokai was correct; upholding the dignity of the law, uncovering the truth, and arresting the real criminal suspect was their duty as police officers.

Under no circumstances should Lu Chuan and others use this situation as a bargaining chip.

“However, I have an idea that I must present, and I hope we can reach a consensus.

Then Lu Chuan laid out his idea.

“First, I personally suggest slowing down the investigation pace of the case; this case involving Zhang Chao has already exceeded one year since his disappearance. Now that we’ve found the relevant involved personnel within our timeframe, from the current viewpoint, Wang Meili being the suspect is not very likely.”

Since Sun Biao has discovered such a truth behind the case, Wang Meili can be basically ruled out as the direct perpetrator, although she was involved in the entire case; that’s beyond doubt.

“My point is from an interrogation standpoint, we should start by breaking through Wang Meili. As for Wang Meili’s daughter, I suggest not employing compulsory measures for questioning.”

Lu Chuan looked at the three, “In making this decision, I see two reasons: First, we truly lack direct evidence to classify Wang Meili’s daughter as the criminal suspect; we can only say she has motives.”

“Therefore, I personally believe directly arresting the other for questioning…”

Lu Chuan pointed to the timeline, “We are still a few months from the college entrance exam. During this period, it’s crucial for Wang Meili’s daughter’s preparation; her mother is already imprisoned, which is a significant blow for her. If she herself is also arrested, personally, I believe this entrance exam will likely be a failure.”

“Her life is just starting, regardless of what she did before, whether voluntary or forced. As police officers, I think that until we hold substantial evidence, some matters should be evaluated from alternative perspectives, employing different means.”

“Moreover, the key point is, there’s no possibility of the suspect escaping.”

“Therefore, my suggestion is to focus on Wang Meili and try to delay the investigation until after the college exams finish.”

“After Wang Meili’s daughter finishes her exams, then we can pursue further actions; meanwhile, psychological counseling should be provided for Wang Meili.”

“It’s important to explain to her the benefits and drawbacks of this situation. If she accepts the guilt, disregarding the logical loopholes here, the trial results will inevitably be severe.”