Man found guilty of manslaughter in 2015 slaying of business associate in West Vancouver

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — West Vancouver millionaire Li Zhao has been found guilty of manslaughter and interfering with human remains in the 2015 death and dismemberment of his business partner.

BC Supreme Court judge Terence Schultes delivered his verdict Tuesday afternoon, finding Zhao not guilty of the original charge of second-degree murder after Zhao shot Yuan in the driveway of the family mansion the pair lived in together off-and-on.

Justice Terrance Schultes said there was reasonable doubt that Zhao did not intend to kill Yuan at the British Properties.

Despite the case put forward by Zhao’s defense, Shultes noted two shots were fired at close range and he does not believe Zhao acted in self-defense. In his decision, he also found Schultes did not dismember the body because of psychosis, but more likely because of Zhao’s motivation to dispose of Yuan’s body.

Zhao admitted to shooting Gang Yuan but pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. His lawyer Ian Donaldson says manslaughter is the verdict he and his client wanted and he’s pleased the judge had reason to believe it’s possible Zhao did not intend to kill Yuan.

The sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 15.