Trial details of Bogu Kailai case released
-- Cause of death
Witness testimony provided by prosecutors showed that Bogu Kailai illegally obtained the poison that contained cyanide compound through other people.
During the trial, the Ministry of Public Security's reports and position papers on the examination of material evidence, as offered by prosecutors, showed that blood extracted from Heywood's heart and samples of his vomit collected at the crime scene contained cyanide ions, and Heywood's death was caused by cyanide poisoning. The conclusion was based on renewed examination and identification of trace evidence taken at the crime scene as well as the blood from Heywood's heart, which was collected and preserved by the Public Security Bureau of Chongqing after his death.
During the trial, defense counsels of Bogu Kailai and Zhang Xiaojun raised questions concerning the transfer and preservation of the blood from Heywood's heart and other material evidence. Prosecutors pointed out that the blood and other key pieces of evidence were preserved in normal conditions, proving the validity of the material evidence.
Experts with the material evidence identification center under the Ministry of Public Security appeared in court to testify and answered questions raised by the prosecutors and defense counsels.
-- Expert testimony
During the examination and prosecution phases of the case, defense counsels entrusted by Bogu Kailai filed an application to the prosecuting body to evaluate Bogu Kailai's mental state at the time of Heywood's death through forensic psychiatric expertise.
After examination, the prosecuting body entrusted the forensic examination institute under the Shanghai Mental Health Center to conduct an evaluation of Bogu Kailai's mental state in accordance with the law.
After studying her medical records and interrogation transcripts, hearing the testimony of witnesses, talking with Bogu Kailai alone and conducting discussion and analysis, the expert group concluded that Bogu Kailai had been treated for chronic insomnia, anxiety and depression, and paranoia in the past.
She used to take anxiolytics, antidepressants and sedative hypnotic drugs, and she also received combined treatment by taking antipsychotic drugs, but the curative effect was not enduring. She developed a certain degree of physical and psychological dependence on sedative hypnotic drugs, which resulted in mental disorders.
However, Bogu Kailai had a clear goal and a practical motive in committing the alleged crime. Preparations were made prior to the alleged criminal act, including, for example, asking for poison from others and storing the poison, planning to take the victim to Chongqing and arranging the location for committing the alleged crime, among others.
She was also able to determine the environment for committing the alleged crime, and she had a relatively strong awareness of protecting herself.
Taking all of the above factors into consideration, Bogu Kailai has an intact ability to identify the nature and consequences of this alleged criminal behavior and a weakened ability to control herself. Therefore, she should be identified as having the capacity to accept full criminal responsibility.
