A body found in the Jordan River last week has been identified as that of a Chinese student at the University of Utah.
Homicide detectives identified the victim as Shi Shing Tam, 23, whose body was pulled from the river near 10th South Friday afternoon, said Sgt. Chuck Cockayne.Tam, originally of Hong Kong, had been living for the past six years with his two younger sisters and younger brother at 1830 S. Berkeley St. He had been studying at the U. and working two jobs, Cockayne said.
Police have no idea why someone would want Tam killed. He had no criminal record.
"He was super reliable, never in trouble. We can't find any evidence he was into drugs or anything," Cockayne said.
Tam was last seen about 9 p.m. last Wednesday. His body was found about 11 a.m. Thursday. An autopsy determined Tam died of either strangulation or drowning.
A blanket had been tied around Tam's neck and a rock had been placed inside the blanket, apparently to sink the victim. Tam had also suffered a minor blow to the head.
Police on Saturday recovered Tam's abandoned car at 1550 N. Ninth West. Cockayne said the car has so far yielded no clues.