Body-in-cement murder suspect planned to break into victim’s safe to steal HK$10 million, Hong Kong court hears
Keith Lau, one of three suspects, says in police interview co-accused Tsang Cheung-yan is group’s ‘boss’ and the one behind robbery plans
One of three men accused of murdering an acquaintance and encasing his body in cement had suggested breaking into a safe belonging to the deceased to steal HK$10 million (US$1.3 million), a Hong Kong court heard on Wednesday.
Keith Lau, 23, one of the suspects, told police in an interview that his accomplice Tsang Cheung-yan, 28, made the suggestion after they allegedly murdered Cheung Man-li, 28, in their flat on March 4, 2016.
Lau’s account to authorities, which was presented to a seven-member jury at the High Court, also contradicted what Tsang had told police earlier.
Man told police he urged flatmates to hand themselves in over body-in-cement murder, Hong Kong court hears
The older man had accused Lau of being the “mastermind” who planned to rob the victim, but Lau denied his role in the killing and accused Tsang of being the leader of a supposed robbery that turned fatal.
Lau said he was forced into the plot by Tsang and the third defendant, Cheung Sin-hang, 26.
He claimed they had said to him: “We are in the same boat ... If something went wrong ... you think we won’t go down together?” In fear, he decided to play along, Lau said.
All three have denied murdering Cheung Man-li, also known as Ah J, at a Tsuen Wan flat the men shared.
