This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, state media reported that 19 Chinese officials would face punishment for covering up a murder that occurred in 2003.
Deng Shiping, a middle school teacher, disappeared in January 2003 while overseeing the construction of a playground in Huaihua city, central Hunan province.
His body was finally unearthed from the playground in June, solving the cold case.
The investigation found that Du Shaoping, a contractor, and another man had killed Deng and buried him under the playground.
According to the official Xinhua news agency, Du had a tense relationship with Deng, who was overseeing the quality of construction.
Two suspects have been prosecuted for the murder, and a total of 13 members of Du's crime group were also arrested and prosecuted for suspected crimes.
Among the 19 officials facing punishment are police officers, local Communist Party committee members, government officials, and school staff.
