Chapter 1068 - 547: An Unexpected Discovery

Regarding this case, the biggest concern for everyone at the moment is no longer the identity of the murderer.

The suspect is actually already under control.

The real challenge lies in how to take that crucial step: turning the current "suspect" into the "real culprit" based on the already identified suspect.

This change in identity not only requires conclusive physical evidence but also hinges on a tightly constructed chain of evidence, and this is where they are currently stuck.

Despite the doubtful and confused looks around, Jiang An remained calm and slowly said, "Although we have already examined the original scene, there is a place we have yet to carefully investigate."

"Are you talking about... the victim’s dormitory?"

Qin Feng immediately picked up the thread of conversation, speaking at a fast pace.

Previously, during a re-examination of the scene, since the dormitory door was locked, they could only observe the scattered clothes on Li Yong’s bed through the window.

In Qin Feng’s opinion, if they needed to return to the scene for a detailed investigation, the place most likely to hide key clues was probably Li Yong’s room, which had not been thoroughly searched.

However, Jiang An lightly shook his head and provided an unexpected answer: "Not the bedroom, but the excavator."

"Excavator?" Qin Feng was slightly taken aback. "But didn’t we just check the boom of the excavator?"

"This time, I’m not concerned with the boom," Jiang An stated with calm but firm tone, "but the cab."

The words "cab" caused a slight reaction among those present.

In the brief silence, Director Hou pondered and nodded: "It makes sense. This indeed needs to be confirmed. When we examined the scene before, we saw the excavator, but how the boom was operated, the suspect must have accessed the cab to control it."

"He would have inevitably touched some key controls during the start-up process, and those places might have left traces."

At this point, Director Hou furrowed his brows deeply, his voice carrying a hint of heaviness: "However, if we go and examine the cab again now, will the trace evidence still be intact?"

Just manipulating a few levers, how much valuable trace evidence could be left?

For instance, fingerprints—the possibility of clear fingerprints being left afterward might be low, since the driver, Yang Wei, would normally also touch those parts, probably already covering or destroying previous traces."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone, and continued: "Moreover, since the incident, some time has passed, and factors like the environment and subsequent use could lead to evidence loss.

But we also cannot ignore another possibility: if the suspect wore gloves at that time or deliberately wiped the surfaces, it indicates anti-investigation awareness, which is itself a clue worth exploring."

Jiang An listened and nodded slightly, responding: "Director Hou has considered this thoroughly."

"But apart from fingerprints, there might be other trace evidence in the cab—like fibers, hair, skin flakes, or even special soil, tool marks."

If the perpetrator entered the cab to operate it, contact with parts like the seat, steering wheel, and levers would have been inevitable.

Even if surface traces aren’t obvious, professional technical means may still reveal something."

Qin Feng was gradually catching up with the thought process and added: "Also, the cab is a relatively enclosed space, unlike the open parts, and is less affected by natural factors like wind and rain, so some biological or trace evidence might be more preserved.

Even finding a small connection to the suspect can provide key support to advancing from ’suspect’ to the confirmed ’culprit’."

Director Hou pondered for a moment and finally made a decision: "Alright, then let’s have another look."

"No matter the result, this step cannot be skipped."

"We need to collect all possible physical evidence as comprehensively as possible, whether it’s fingerprints, DNA, or other trace evidence, any detail could be the key to breaking the deadlock."

Everyone exchanged nods, and the investigation direction became clear once again at that moment.

The next step is to return to the scene, focus on the cab of that excavator, and search for the truth’s traces that can firmly lock down the suspect.

At this moment, Mr. Chen pondered: "I remember the scene investigation report mentioned that the excavator had not been moved since the incident, right?"

After the words fell, Mr. Qin folded his arms and cautiously spoke up: "From the overall parking position, there are indeed no signs of movement."

"But we cannot rule out the possibility—the driver might have entered the cab even after the incident and after both the factory and site were closed, conducting operations."

If he touched the levers, seat, or dashboard during that time, it could likely cover or destroy previously left trace evidence."

Mr. Chen slightly furrowed his brow upon this, then nodded.

"But regardless, this idea still holds substantial value."

"Next, we can continue to follow the direction suggested by Mr. Jiang, with a focus on verifying Yang Wei’s specific whereabouts after the incident and his possibility of accessing the excavator."

He said, turning to look at the interrogation room behind the one-way mirror.

Through the glass, Li Xu could be seen sitting on the interrogation chair, his expression showing slight exhaustion, yet his words still carried a strong sense of defense.

Mr. Chen’s gaze rested for a few seconds, then he slowly stated: "Currently, Li Xu is still repeatedly defending himself, and the interrogation has not made any breakthrough progress yet."