The suspect, Hu, aged 38, is a native of Yichang. On January 22, 1999, at 6:00 PM, the then 26-year-old Hu conspired with five accomplices, including Liu, to charter a passenger speedboat. They traveled from the Xiaoting Ferry Terminal to a sand-dredging vessel operated by Li. Armed with a hunting rifle, homemade pistols,machetes, and other weapons to force nine crew members to kneel. Threatening them with gunfire, they seized over 9,700 yuan in cash along with leather jackets, gold earrings, and other valuables. After receiving his share of 1,000 yuan, Hu fled. Four accomplices were apprehended and subsequently sentenced.
During his 12-year fugitive life, Hu adopted the alias Wang Bin, obtained a fake ID and motorcycle license in Guangdong, and underwent double eyelid surgery. However, on July 29 this year, Hu was apprehended by the Yangtze River Police.
During the review by the Wujiagang District Procuratorate, it was discovered that although the suspect confessed after being apprehended, doubts arose regarding his identity. This was due to his altered appearance and the lack of physical evidence such as his fake ID card and license. Consequently, significant risks existed in approving the arrest warrant for the apprehended suspect.
After coordinating with police, prosecutors conducted a DNA comparison test between the suspect and his father, legally confirming the suspect's identity as Hu. An arrest warrant was then issued. After 12 years of fearful flight, Hu was finally apprehended. Meanwhile, another co-defendant had already served 12 years and was nearing release, leaving Hu filled with regret.