California Engineer’s Conviction for Poisoning Colleague Faces Judicial Scrutiny
A woman has released crucial hidden-camera footage as her former coworker seeks dismissal of his felony conviction for poisoning.
The incident involves David Xu, a former senior materials engineer at Berkeley Engineering and Research, California. According to prosecutors, Xu poisoned Rong Yuan’s food and water with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, from 2017 to 2019.
Xu’s charges included premeditated attempted murder and two felony poisoning counts. He accepted a plea deal leading to one count of poisoning and probation. The judge extended his probation to two years, labeling it a generous offer given the circumstances.
Yuan released a video, allegedly showing Xu adulterating her water bottle, coinciding with his request to have the felony dropped before an Alameda County judge.
California law mandates granting of expungement requests if probation conditions are satisfied. Yet, the district attorney’s office opposes Xu’s appeal.
Yuan told the San Francisco Standard that unveiling the footage was her last recourse, due to dissatisfaction with legal proceedings.
Her employment at Berkeley Engineering and Research began in January 2017. A tense first meeting with Xu led her to avoid overlap with him.
Yuan reported symptoms like dry heaving and hair loss, which intensified in July 2017 after consuming water from her bottle. She felt severely ill and vulnerable.
By late 2018, after frequent hospital visits, she emailed on Nov. 27, 2018, stating she was unwell and absent from the office.
Xu replied, suggesting remote work and hinting at mold in their building.
In January 2019, Yuan once again felt sick after drinking her water. Her mother detected a sour taste, prompting suspicions of tampering. Yuan installed a spy camera.
On Feb. 11, 2019, footage captured Xu near her water bottle. Another clip from March 4, 2019, depicts Xu pouring a substance into it.
Yuan, alarmed by the video evidence, contacted Berkeley Police Department promptly.
Xu completed probation in March; he seeks expungement, though the conviction would remain on his record.
Fox News Digital approached Xu’s attorney for comment. Further inquiries can reach reporter Adam Sabes at [email protected] or on Twitter @asabes10.