KOROR, Palau (Jan. 8, 2024) – A two-week investigation into the shocking murder of Chinese tour guide and captain Peng Li has culminated in the arrest and charges against four Chinese nationals. The suspects, identified as Fang Ye, Liu Xiaoyan, Li Xinyu, and Li Songyan, face accusations of second-degree murder and hindering prosecution in Palau’s escalating crime scene.
Li’s disappearance, just before Christmas, sent shockwaves through the island nation. A crucial breakthrough came from a vigilant witness who captured a picture of a suspicious black van near the crime scene. This seemingly mundane detail and CCTV footage near CK Mansion proved pivotal.
Cameras showed Li entering the hotel with the suspects, never to emerge again. The footage then captured one suspect moving Li’s car and another clip showing loading a large suitcase requiring three people to carry. Tracking the van’s movements through CCTV, police pieced together a timeline of events, revealing trips through Ngesaol and passing through Airai, and a return near the fire site shortly.
Adding to the incriminating evidence, authorities observed the suspects purchasing cleaning materials, further bolstering the case against them. Bail for the suspects has been set at $1 million for Fang Ye, already facing separate charges in Saipan, and $250,000 each for the others.
Potential penalties for second-degree murder in Palau include life imprisonment with parole and a hefty $50,000 fine. Hindering prosecution carries a prison sentence of 1-5 years and a $10,000 fine.
While the motive remains unclear, the apprehension of the suspects marks a significant step towards closure for Li’s family and the rattled Palauan community. The case underscores the growing concern about rising crime in the island nation, particularly involving foreign nationals.
Leave a comment