Deliberations begin in suitcase murder trial

Yuan Xi “Will” Tang has been charged with the first-degree murder of his mother who went missing from Richmond, B.C. in June. Sept. 7, 2012. (CTV)

The fate of a young man who killed his mother and disposed of her body in a suitcase is now in the hands of a B.C. Supreme Court jury.

Yuan Xi “William” Tang, who admitted beating his mother to death in June 2012, is charged with first-degree murder.

Forty-seven-year-old Lianjie Guo and her husband, who lived in China, were visiting their 25-year-old son in Richmond, B.C., when Guo went missing.

Her disappearance spurred a massive manhunt, and Tang even spoke at a press conference urging people to come forward with information about the case.

"I trust police and now I’m still waiting for my mom. If someone sees my mom or has any information about my mom, please call police,” he said.

A suitcase containing Guo’s badly decomposed body was eventually found on a beach on Harwood Island, off the Sunshine Coast.

Police said they believe the suitcase was dumped off the coast of Richmond and floated to the island, near Powell River.

During the trial, Tang testified in his own defense to say his mother was too controlling, and he wanted her to die. The jury also viewed a jail cell confession video.

The accused said his mother was destroying his life, but he never planned on killing her.

Since Tang has admitted to the murder, the jury must choose between first and second-degree murder – both of which carry life sentences.

The difference is that with a first-degree murder charge he can’t apply for parole for 25 years, whereas a sentencing hearing would be held to determine parole eligibility under the lesser charge.

During deliberations, the jury did return to ask a question about the definition of "deliberate" as it pertains to first-degree murder.