Coronavirus researcher on the verge of significant findings, murdered

A well-respected University of Pittsburgh Medical Center researcher who was on the verge of ‘very significant findings’ related to the coronavirus, has been killed in an apparent murder.

Dr Bing Liu, 37, was alone at his home in the 200 block of Elm Court in Ross Township on Saturday afternoon, when another man – identified as 46-year-old Hao Gu – entered the residence through an unlocked door and opened fire.

Liu, originally from China, was struck by bullets in the head, neck and torso. He was a research assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine.

The school said he was an “outstanding” and “prolific” researcher who stood out during the COVID-19 crisis. The university said: “Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings toward understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complications.”