Wrong Interrogation Room, The First Cracked Case Shocked the World

Chapter 72: Raised eyebrows, Ning Cheng's counterattack!

Chen Yang's file underwent a thorough review by Ning Cheng. Examining his professional experience alongside the provincial library video, Ning Cheng concluded that Chen Yang was likely the murderer in Wang Shuzhen's case.

Just as Ning Cheng was contemplating this, Zhou Ziyan arrived with crucial information from the crime scene.

"Ning Cheng, we found a set of footprints near the victim, Li Rongfang. Based on the depth and shoe size, the murderer appears to be a large man—approximately 1.83 meters tall and weighing 230 pounds!"

"But Chen Yang's file from the Nanlian Township Police Station lists him as 1.78 meters tall and 140 kilograms. That's a significant discrepancy!"

"Could this be a red herring?" Ning Cheng wondered.

Ning Cheng and Zhou Ziyan proceeded to the crime scene—a deserted street. Light rain the previous night had left the road muddy, clearly imprinting the murderer's footprints. The area was cordoned off, with city bureau detectives and forensic investigators already on the scene.

Forensic doctor Tang Xin emerged from the cordon. Ning Cheng immediately questioned her.

"Doctor Tang, how did you determine the murderer was a large man based solely on the footprints?"

Tang Xin replied, "Ning Cheng, you understand forensic science. Footprint analysis can reveal a great deal about the perpetrator's size and height."

"I understand that, but what's your specific reasoning?" Ning Cheng pressed. "Yesterday, you also saw the provincial library video. The suspect appears to be a thin, middle-aged man."

Tang Xin reiterated, "Based on the footprints, the murderer is a large man, 1.83 meters tall and weighing 230 pounds."

Zhou Ziyan, expressing her doubts, added, "The Nanlian Town and city bureau forensic doctors are both here; their combined conclusion shouldn't be wrong."

"Ning Cheng, could our deduction be flawed?"

Ning Cheng remained silent, trusting his judgment. However, he acknowledged the weight of the combined forensic analysis. Where was the error?

Then, a crucial realization struck Ning Cheng. The forensic estimate of 1.83 meters and 230 pounds. He recalled Li Rongfang's profile: 1.6 meters tall and 90 pounds. And Chen Yang's profile: 1.78 meters tall and 140 pounds.

If Chen Yang was the murderer, his weight plus Li Rongfang's would equal the 230 pounds the forensic doctors estimated! The height discrepancy could be explained by Chen Yang wearing oversized shoes. This was a cunning killer, not only committing murder but also meticulously staging the crime scene to mislead the investigation.

Tang Xin voiced the growing inconsistency: "The forensic findings contradict our investigation. Should we adjust our approach?"

Before Ning Cheng could explain, Captain Liu, a veteran detective from the city bureau, interrupted.

"Ning Cheng, congratulations on solving the sibutramine case. Any progress on the 'Scalpel Killer' case?"

A middle-aged captain chimed in, "Perhaps we should offer some clues. This 'Scalpel Killer' case seems to be a copycat crime, not the work of the original perpetrator five years ago."

Experienced detectives quickly recognized the nature of the case.

"This is a copycat crime, but the perpetrator made mistakes," Captain Liu explained. "The footprints, left in the mud after the rain, are a key piece of evidence. We can trace the murderer using the footprint data."

"This imitator is less skilled than the original Scalpel Killer. I suggest you consider this."

Ning Cheng smiled, "Why are you revealing clues? The fact that this is a copycat crime is a crucial lead. We're competitors; at the last city council meeting, you doubted my ability to solve the sibutramine case."

Captain Liu responded, "This is about collaboration, not personal rivalries. We should share information and avoid wasting resources."

"Your ability is good, but our experience is not to be underestimated!" The other captains added, playfully teasing Ning Cheng.

Zhou Ziyan, defending Ning Cheng, retorted, "Team Liu, we don't need your clues. We already determined this was a copycat crime, and Ning Cheng recognized it immediately. The police force speaks through results, not through condescending guidance."

Ning Cheng intervened, "Let me speak. I appreciate Team Liu's willingness to share information. Collaboration is essential. Therefore, I will also share information."

"The forensic estimate of the murderer's height and weight is inaccurate; it's a deliberate misdirection by the killer!"

This announcement caused an uproar. Many forensic doctors frowned, feeling their expertise was being questioned.

Tang Xin whispered to Ning Cheng, "Mr. Ning Cheng, all our forensic doctors reached this conclusion based on the footprints. It's highly unlikely there's a mistake."

"I'm not questioning your abilities," Ning Cheng clarified. "But I believe you were misled. This is a carefully planned deception."

"Deception?" Tang Xin exclaimed.

Ning Cheng explained, "The footprints—their depth and shoe size—were used to estimate the murderer's size. The data is accurate, but the footprints themselves are a ruse!"

"The murderer likely used larger shoes, carried the victim, and then deliberately left those footprints. The data you obtained is exactly what the killer wanted you to see!"

The forensic doctors were stunned. The possibility of such a sophisticated deception was shocking.

"I suspect this isn't the primary crime scene, but a staged one. To find more clues..." Ning Cheng paused, addressing Captain Liu.

"Don't be misled by the footprint data. Following the wrong path will only lead to the wrong conclusion!"

Captain Liu was taken aback. The veteran detectives recognized the truth in Ning Cheng's words.

"This copycat killer is intelligent and enjoys manipulating the police. Don't be fooled, Team Liu."

"To avoid wasting resources, I believe this information should be shared," Ning Cheng added.

Captain Liu and his team felt a sting of embarrassment. They had intended to mentor Ning Cheng, only to be outmaneuvered.

Zhou Ziyan and her team chuckled at the city bureau captains' discomfiture.

"Let's go, Team Zhou," Ning Cheng said, leaving the staged crime scene.

In the police car, Tang Xin innocently asked, "Mr. Ning Cheng, you haven't shared any information yet. We have information on suspect Chen Yang."

Mu Xiaoyu playfully scolded, "Silly, we've already given them all the information, letting them take the credit!"

Laughter filled the car. They had just witnessed a satisfying triumph.

Wang Jin, the driver, asked their destination.

"Chen Yang's house," Ning Cheng replied.