Episode 17 recap: The retrial of Qu Xiaoyan's case.
Qu Zong is extremely worried that Wang Peng will be acquitted due to insufficient evidence, so he really wants Secretary Wu to arrange a meeting. Qi Heng and some others have had a series of discussions about the case. Because there is insufficient evidence at the moment, the possibility of Wang Peng being acquitted is indeed very high. In fact, Niu Geng, you know that the pressure in this case doesn't stem from the case itself but from the identity of the victim's family. Nevertheless, Qi Heng will face this matter head-on.
Some people also want to know the specific situation of the case now. Qi Heng is also acting impartially. The most important thing now is to emphasize the evidence. Even if the other party admits guilt, we still need to rely on the facts. Some things cannot be solved with money. According to the regulations, Qi Heng is actually worried that Ma La Song cannot handle this matter, so he wants to change himself to be the presiding judge. Only in this way can he not only protect Ma La Song but also achieve fairness and justice.
After Qi Heng returns, he informs everyone about this matter. Ma La Song never expected why there would be a change of personnel, let alone that it would be Qi Heng. Ma La Song disagrees with this matter. She thinks that Qi Heng just doesn't trust her. Now that she finally has an opportunity to prove herself, Qi Heng, you honestly admit that you did this to defend Ma La Song. However, Ma La Song's attitude is very firm, stating that she doesn't need any protection and can achieve fairness and justice on her own. Ma La Song also asks Qi Heng if he will impose the death penalty on the victim under the pressure of public opinion, but Qi Heng doesn't give a direct answer.
Luo Huai Gong, have you heard this news? They also have a lot of evidence in their hands. This time, Qi Heng won't have an easy time. Qi Heng is playing with a Rubik's Cube in his office when Zhang Yan Jun comes to inform him that many people have gathered at the courthouse. It seems that Qu Xiaoyan's case has attracted a lot of attention, and many people have come hoping for Wang Peng to be sentenced to death. Qi Heng knows that they are not coming with good intentions. If this matter is not handled properly, there will definitely be significant problems.
The formal trial began soon, and Wang Peng also appeared in court. Now both sides have started their arguments. The only strong evidence they have is the vest, and they have found some things related to the victim on the vest. The prosecution has made its final statement on it. Wang Peng emphasizes that he is innocent and did not commit murder. The defense has made a strong case because all the evidence presented by the prosecution is mere speculation without substantial proof. There isn't even a trace of the victim on the tree branch. The defense's arguments are indeed very reasonable, and the prosecution doesn't even have an opportunity to refute them.
The defense can only speculate that when Wang Peng was drunkenly staggering back, the vest accidentally got stuck on him but wasn't actually worn by him. Moreover, the shoe prints left at the scene are very faint because the accused only briefly walked around inside the house and quickly put the shoes back in the box. Therefore, it is natural that there are only minimal signs of damage at the scene.
It is highly possible that the real suspect purchased a pair of shoes identical to Wang Peng's, but due to the urgency of time, it hasn't been possible to investigate thoroughly. Wang Peng keeps emphasizing that he has never killed anyone, and what his lawyer says is the truth. In the end, Qi Heng decides to adjourn temporarily for further deliberation before making a decision.
Even I can see that there are issues with this case. How come the police and the court couldn't see it? Did the police not notice anything when interrogating the defendant? Moreover, the evidence is not substantial.
He claims to have used his hand, but there are no fingerprints left behind. Is that considered solid evidence? During the trial, as long as the defendant doesn't know any better and tells the truth, the defense attorney threatens him.
Can't they see that?