Chinatown Man Sentenced to 19 Years-To-Life For Murdering Sister

CHINATOWN, NY — A man was sentenced 19 years-to-life in prison for brutally murdering his sister in their Chinatown apartment on Wednesday, prosecutors announced.

Chuen Lau, 60, pled guilty in New York State Supreme Court to killing his sister, Mei Lin Liu, on January 17. He was sentenced 19 years-to-life in prison on the sole charge of murder in the second degree, said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance.

“Chuen Lau brutally murdered his own sister in a vicious act of domestic violence, stabbing and beating her to death in the apartment they shared before fleeing the scene,” said Vance. “Ms. Liu was a beloved mother, sister, and aunt – and while this sentence cannot bring her back, I hope it brings a sense of closure to her loved ones.”

On May 17, 2014 a family member grew concerned when she could not reach Liu and contacted FDNY to gain access to the apartment. Once the relative entered the apartment, she discovered Liu's body and called police. Lau was arrested the next day at a hotel and admitted to attacking his sister following a series of personal and financial disputes, prosecutors said.

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