Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court sentenced a Chongqing man to death on Monday for robbing and murdering a Taiwan businessman whom his sister had seduced.

Ran Wenlun, 32, came to Shanghai in June last year to live with his sister, Ran Wenping, 21, who was employed as a sex worker at a local beauty parlor.

When the brother said he needed money to buy home decorations and start his own business, the sister suggested they rob a rich Taiwan businessman who had been patronizing her since May.

They purchased a dagger, wigs, robes and sealing tape. Ran Wenping called the businessman, surnamed Zeng, and made an appointment for June 19.

The two went to the victim's apartment on Jianhe Road, Changning District, at around 7 PM. As Zeng took a shower, Ran Wenping sent a message to her brother, telling him to come inside.

According to Xinmin Evening News, Zeng was lying on the bed when Ran Wenlun entered. The sister grabbed Zeng's feet, while the brother seized his hands and stabbed him in the chest. Zeng collapsed, and Ran Wenlun stabbed him three more times to make sure he was dead.

The two took away 7,000 yuan (US$902), 5,000 yen (US$42), a watch and a camera and left after cleaning the apartment. They threw the dagger, wigs, robe, yen and mobile phone into a river in Qibao Town, Minhang District, and bought two train tickets to Kunming, Yunnan Province, the next day.

In the evening of June 20, Zeng's landlord surnamed Gu overheard security guards at the compound talking about how Zeng had not been answering calls, so he went into Zeng's room. Upon finding Zeng's body, they called the police. Ran Wenlun and Ran Wenping were at the top of the list of suspects.

The two were arrested aboard the train on June 22, and the Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court announced the verdicts on Monday.

Ran Wenlun was sentenced to death and all of his belongings were confiscated. Ran Wenping was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a 5,000 yuan (US$641) fine.

(China Daily February 7, 2007)