Former US Engineer Seeks Criminal Record Expungement After Poisoning Colleague
A former chemical engineer convicted of poisoning a coworker in California is petitioning the court to clear his criminal record.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, David Xu, a former chemical engineer based in Berkeley, California, has filed a petition to have his criminal conviction expunged. Xu was previously convicted in September 2023 for poisoning his colleague, Rong Yuan, between 2017 and 2019.
Evidence presented during the case revealed that Yuan suffered from severe health issues, including hair loss and persistent vomiting, for over two years. The cause remained unknown until Yuan’s mother noticed an unusual odor in her daughter's water bottle. After installing a hidden camera, Yuan captured footage of Xu pouring a substance into her bottle. Subsequent police testing confirmed the presence of cadmium at levels 3.5 million times higher than federal safety standards.
Xu was arrested in March 2019 and sentenced to probation following his conviction. He is now seeking to clear his record, citing a desire to pursue new employment opportunities.
For residents and travelers, this case highlights the importance of workplace security and personal vigilance. While the legal proceedings are ongoing, it remains to be confirmed how the court will rule on his request for expungement. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with workplace interpersonal conflicts, though it is an isolated criminal matter rather than a systemic threat to the public.
