A popular influencer known for his cross-dressing performances was kidnapped and killed by acquaintances who lured him into a trap in order to steal his money.
In traditional Chinese opera, cross-dresser’s like victim Luo Damei are often seen, with male actors performing female roles.
In this case, the murdered man, Luo Damei was a famous local Madam Butterfly, the name given to the male character who played a woman and later seduced a French diplomat in the film of the same name.
Luo was last seen alive at the beginning of July when he left a cryptic message to his parents saying he needed to “hide” for a while and asked not to be contacted if not urgent.
But as days and weeks went by, his family grew more and more suspicious and tried to contact him, but were unable to reach him.
Fearing the worst, they reported him missing in late August. Weeks later, in early September, his body was found dumped in a cellar in Nanzhao, in China’s Henan Province.
Now, new reports claim that Luo had been lured to an unknown location by acquaintances who then kidnapped him and stole CNY 2 million (GBP 225,000).
Investigators believe they then murdered Luo and hid his body in the cellar where he was later found.
Police believe they sent the short message from his phone to his family to not contact him so they would have time to escape.
Police said they have three suspects in the case, all of whom have been arrested.
Luo was a popular internet celebrity who was in his thirties. On social media platforms, he often interacted with fans while performing as a female character dressed in traditional Chinese clothing that he described as “even more beautiful than a woman”.
After becoming an online celebrity, Luo was busy making videos, live-streaming to sell cosmetics, and performing at various venues and tourist spots.
Those who knew Luo said that he earned a considerable amount of money from live-streaming sales.
He often spared his fortune to help family or friends and donated large sums to charity.
But his generosity apparently led to many people constantly asking him for money, which reportedly left him feeling stressed and forced him to create a separate, private account on social media named “Luo Damei’s Private Account (directly block if borrowing money)”.
Investigators believe that might have led the suspects to then steal from him and afterwards kill him.
The case is under further investigation.
