Digbeth murder: £20,000 reward offered to help find Jinming Zhang killer
Fresh appeal launch following ‘unusual’ DNA find as first picture of the victim is released
The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20k for information on the murder of Jinming Zhang who was stabbed to death in Digbeth.
The 41 year-old was killed in a flat on Moseley Street, Digbeth, on February 9.
Police previously released video footage of the prime suspect who had a distinctive walk and an injured hand.
Now officers have revealed they have made an “unusual” DNA find from the suspected killer.
It found that the suspect is a man and there’s a 99.99% probability that he is black. There was no match found on the national DNA database which senior investigators say is unusual.
What have the investigating officers said about the latest developments in the case?
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from West Midlands Police homicide team said: “The UK has one of the most efficient DNA databases in the world. To have a DNA sample from a murder suspect that does not match anyone on the database is highly unusual.
“We’re still trying to establish a motive for this violent crime and are exploring a number of reasons why Mr Zhang was killed in such awful circumstances.
“While the most likely motive is robbery, it’s clear the person who killed Zhang is a violent man and we want to catch him as soon as we can.”
What do police know about the murder suspect so far?
A police spokesperson said: “Earlier this month we published CCTV of the suspect. He was described as black, in his 20s and between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 5ins tall with an average build. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark hat and mask.
“We also believe the killer injured his hand during the murder. The clip shows the suspect walking along Barford Street, Digbeth just before the murder.”
Det Insp Mahon added: “As well as the DNA and the description, CCTV shows that the man has an unusual way of walking.
“I’d ask that anyone who thinks they may know the suspect, or someone who fits the description with an injury on the night, contacts Crimestoppers as soon as they can.
“People needn’t be afraid to come forward with names. The DNA sample we have means that we are able to quickly and easily eliminate people from our ongoing investigation.”
What have Crimestoppers said about the murder investigation and £20,000 reward
Alan Edwards, West Midlands Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We are reaching out to anyone who may know who was involved in this murder or has suspicions but has so far stayed silent.
“We absolutely guarantee that if you contact our charity and tell us what you know, you will stay 100% anonymous. Always.
“Please do the right thing and call us on 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
If you have any information, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their non-traceable anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
PLEASE NOTE: West Midlands Police have advised that information passed directly to police will not qualify for a reward, only information passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or via the non-traceable anonymous online form.
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