No arrest yet in Houston murder

Li Qiangmin, China's consul general in Houston, met with Houston Police Department (HPD) Chief Art Acevedo last Friday to express his concern over the recent shooting death of a PetroChina employee who was also a Chinese citizen.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released by the police, has been identified by online social media as Bo Meng. She was an employee of PetroChina International (America) Inc in Houston.

Earlier police reports said that Bo was shot to death on the night of Dec 26 at 680 West Sam Houston Parkway South, a gated apartment complex. Initially described by police as being in her early 20s, Bo was in fact 30 years old.

Li urged the police department to do its best to solve the crime as soon as possible. Li also expressed the hope that the HPD would take effective measures to prevent crimes targeting Chinese.

Chief Acevedo expressed his condolences over the death of the Chinese citizen and said the HPD took the case very seriously and will do its best to apprehend the perpetrator.

He also said the department would keep the consulate updated on the progress of the case.

Li Shaolin, president of PetroChina International America, said some Chinese media reports of the case contained false information and speculation. "We reserve our legal rights against such false reports," said Li.

According to Li, Bo went shopping on that Monday and was shot when she got back to the parking lot of her apartment building. "She was the victim of a random crime," Li said.

Li said Bo, a graduate of Renmin University of China, had worked at PetroChina's office in Beijing for a few years before being transferred to the Houston location in May. She worked in human resource management.

Li also said that the parents of the victim were in the process of getting visas to come to Houston.

"We are deeply saddened by the crime," said Li. "Our employees have initiated a fundraising drive to post a reward with Crime Stoppers for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s).

No suspects have been arrested so far. Police urge people with any relevant information to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

mayzhou@chinadaily.com.cn