The man accused of stabbing and beheading 22-year-old Tim McLean on a Greyhound bus reportedly lived a normal life in Edmonton with his wife and worked menial jobs there.
Police said he had no known criminal record.
The Canadian Press reports that Li worked as a courier for an Edmonton newspaper.
Vincent Augert, an independent contractor who also distributes newspapers, says 40-year-old Vince Li had asked for time off to go to Winnipeg for a job interview.
However, Augert says he spoke to Li's wife and she had a different impression, believing her husband had left their home to attend an out-of-town family emergency.
Never said a word
Li is in custody under video-surveillance in Winnipeg. He next court date is Tuesday in Portage la Prairie.
Li never said a word when he appeared before a judge Friday in Portage la Prairie.
The 40-year-old walked into the courtroom with his head down and kept quiet during the entire proceedings.
Li was guarded by RCMP officers and had a heavily-taped right hand and a swollen face.
Li did not reply when the judge asked if he was going to get a lawyer. He did nod slightly when asked if he was exercising his right not to speak.
The Crown has asked for a psychiatric assessment but the judge said he wanted Li to talk to a lawyer first.
Crown Attorney Larry Hodgson described the court appearance to CTV Newsnet from Portage la Prairie, Man.
Hodgson said that Li seemed to understand what the judge was saying to him.
"He responded with a nod at the appropriate time," the lawyer said.
Hodgson said as far as he knew, Li has not contacted anyone since the time of his arrest.
The matter was adjourned to Aug. 5, when the Crown will once again ask for a psychiatric assessment.
With files from the Canadian Press
