UPDATE (April 16, 2016 at 2.48pm CST): Since the original time of publication, new information has emerged that indicates Mr. Bower had multiple girlfriends. For an update on this story click here.

UPDATE (April 16, 2016 at 12.42am CST): As per multiple media reports that have surfaced since this initial report, That’s has come to learn that at least two – and possibly three girlfriends may have been involved with Mr. Bower. Please check back for further updates tomorrow.

The Shenzhen Police Department have confirmed through their official Weibo account that British teacher Hilary St. John Bower’s girlfriend and two others have been arrested in his murder.

Bower, who disappeared on March 22, was a language teacher at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and was last seen alive crossing the Luohu border checkpoint into Shenzhen.

The girlfriend of the British academic, surnamed Xu, is a 38-year-old from Hubei province, according to the Shenzhen Police Department. She was the last person to speak to Bower – at 9pm on the night of his disappearance – and didn't report it to the police until March 30.

While the crime is allegedly the result of a ‘relationship dispute,’ there is strong suspicion it may also be linked to a massive housing deal Bower had finalized, selling a Shekou home for rumored HKD9 million.

The other two individuals arrested in this case have been identified by their last names, Sun and Liu. Bower and Xu had lived together for 17 years and they have a 6-year-old son together.

Below is the Shenzhen Police Department’s official announcement:

[Image via EJ Insight]

