Wrong Interrogation Room, The First Cracked Case Shocked the World

Chapter 68: Removal of the heart, the murder case of a scalpel demon!

"According to this station's urgent report:

A murder occurred in Nanlian Town, Jiangcheng City. The victim, Wang Shuzhen, 38, was found dead by sanitation workers this morning after being killed last night while returning home. Forensic investigations revealed that her heart had been removed, leaving a cross pattern on her arm, reminiscent of the Scalpel Demon case from five years ago."

The Jiangcheng TV host's announcement sent shockwaves through the city, igniting panic among residents.

Simultaneously, discussions erupted on local forums and social media platforms. The mention of the Scalpel Demon brought back memories that many in Jiangcheng would rather forget.

Inside the police station, Ning Cheng and the Interpol team watched the broadcast intently.

"Is the Scalpel Demon back?" murmured one officer.

"This guy caused widespread panic last time. If he's resurfacing, we need to catch him!" another added.

"The investigative technology now is far superior to what it was then. If he shows up again, we will catch him!"

While his colleagues whispered amongst themselves, Ning Cheng focused on the Scalpel Demon file. He knew all too well the terror this criminal had instigated.

Five years prior, the Scalpel Demon committed his first murder in Jiangcheng. Police received a report of a young woman's body found outside a bar, her heart professionally removed, a cross carved into her wrist. Investigators initially suspected a surgeon due to the precision of the cut but found no leads.

A month later, another victim—a middle-aged woman—was discovered, murdered in the same gruesome manner. The police mobilized extensive resources but found no trace of the killer.

After another six months of silence, the body of an elderly woman was found, murdered in the identical fashion, prompting outrage from both the Jiangcheng city police and the Provincial Party Committee. Despite the heightened investigation, the Scalpel Demon vanished without a trace.

Now, five years later, he was back.

Director Zhang Chao addressed the room, his voice steady.

"You all saw the recent news. Wang Shuzhen was murdered in Nanlian Town, her heart removed and a symbol left behind. The Nanlian police believe it's the work of the Scalpel Demon."

The atmosphere in the conference room turned tense.

"Five years ago, there were no witnesses or surveillance, and the brutality of the crimes was shocking!" Zhang Chao slammed his hand on the table. "If we couldn't catch him back then, we certainly can now!"

"The city and provincial authorities are closely monitoring this case. We will capture him, no matter the cost!"

"The Nanlian Town police have requested additional support due to their limited resources. We will be sending our best detectives to assist."

As he read the list of those selected for the task force, Ning Cheng's name surprised many. Typically, such high-profile cases involved seasoned detectives, not someone relatively new like him.

But his recent success with the sibutramine case had proven his capabilities.

"Zhou Ziyan, Ning Cheng—are there any objections?" Zhang Chao asked.

Both shook their heads. The Scalpel Demon had to be stopped.

"Good. Zhou Ziyan is team leader, and Ning Cheng will serve as vice-captain. The rest will be team members."

Whispers filled the room; many were envious of Ning Cheng's rapid ascent.

Ning Cheng felt a mix of pride and determination. His skills were recognized, and he was ready for the challenge ahead.

Suddenly, a notification chimed in his mind.

"Congratulations! You have detected the sale of sibutramine contraband. You are eligible for the following rewards:"

"Reward 1: World-Class Dynamic Human Eye Observation Experience."

"Reward 2: Insights into Future US Stock Trends for One Week."

Curious about the first reward, he read the explanation: it would enhance his ability to quickly assess situations—an invaluable skill for a detective.

At 1 PM, the support team arrived at Nanlian Town. Ning Cheng and Zhou Ziyan got into the police car, accompanied by female officers Mu Xiaoyu and Tang Xin.

As they settled in, the atmosphere was tense.

"Mr. Ning Cheng, any insights on the Scalpel Demon case?" Tang Xin, the forensic expert, asked earnestly.

Ning Cheng smiled. "The Scalpel Demon wields a scalpel, so you might have some insights since you're also familiar with surgical tools."

"Of course, but I can't compare to your expertise," she replied. "The incision on the heart was remarkably clean. This suggests the killer could be a trained surgeon."

Zhou Ziyan interjected, "We shouldn't limit our thinking to medical professionals. If it were that simple, the city bureau would have found him by now."

"You're right; my perspective was too narrow," Tang Xin admitted.

"What do you think, Ning Cheng?" Zhou Ziyan asked, turning her attention to him.

Ning Cheng pondered for a moment before responding, "First, we should examine the crime scene in Nanlian Town before making any conclusions."

An hour later, they arrived at the Nanlian Town police station, where local authorities greeted them warmly.

After some brief introductions, Zhou Ziyan stated, "We're here for the Scalpel Demon case. Can you take us to the crime scene of Wang Shuzhen?"

"Absolutely," Bureau Chief Chen replied, concerned. "However, I still need to attend to officers from the City Bureau who are providing support. I'll send someone else to guide you."

"That works for us."

The Nanlian police led Zhou Ziyan, Ning Cheng, and the rest to the crime scene behind a local bar—an abandoned construction site, devoid of surveillance, making it an ideal spot for the murder.

The scent of blood lingered in the air. Zhou Ziyan and the others meticulously searched for any remaining clues.

Ning Cheng, however, remained still, recognizing that previous investigators had already scoured the area.

"If there were any clues, they would have found them," he said.

"I still haven't found anything," Mu Xiaoyu sighed.

Zhou Ziyan glanced at Ning Cheng, her brow furrowing. "Are you that relaxed?"

"I'm just being realistic," he replied. "If there were clues to find, the experienced detectives would have uncovered them by now. I don't believe this was the Scalpel Demon's work."

"What?" Zhou Ziyan, Mu Xiaoyu, and the nearby Nanlian police officers stared at him in disbelief.

"This isn't the work of the Scalpel Demon."