Li Zhao's lawyer calls claims of dismembered millionaire's family 'outrageous'

The lawyer forLi Zhao, who is charged with murdering and dismembering wealthy Chinese businessmanGangYuanin B.C., says the allegationsmade by the victim's family at a news conferenceare "outrageous" and "scandalous speculation."

In an unusual news conference on Wednesday, Yuan's family said hehad financially supported the accused killerand his family.

"So the question arises, why would someone kill his benefactor?" said Chris Johnson, who represents the victim's brother."With the known facts, there is really only one conclusion:Mr.Zhaodid this for financial reasons. He thought that he could get a free house. Not just any house, but a very valuable house in West Vancouver."

• Gang Yuan, dismembered millionaire, allegedly killed for his money

On Thursday,Brent B.Olthuis, thelawyer for Zhaoas well as his wife and daughter, saidhis clients were not given advance notice of the press conference or enough time to properly respond.

"Your report repeats scandalous speculation and outrageous allegations from Mr. Yuan'scounsel,"Olthuissaid in anemailto CBC News."Thereported comments are inconsistent with the criminal charges Mr.Zhaofaces,and in any event concern matters that are before the court. They are not proven facts."

The lawyer called the press conference sensationalist.

"My clients havegrave concerns as to what motivated the press conference and are considering all of theirlegal rights at this stage. In the meantime, they wish it to be noted that they deny all of theallegations apparently made during the press conference and that were reported."

Violent confrontation

Zhaowas arrested after the discovery ofYuan'sdismembered body in the British Properties on May 2.

Johnson saidpolice advised the family thatYuan'sbody was cut into more than 100 pieces.In addition to second-degree murder,Zhaois also charged withinterfering with a dead body.He has a bail hearing next week.

"Because they were struggling, Mr.Yuantook them in," Johnson said on Wednesday. "He gave them employment and ultimately came to support them and their daughter, Yi Ming Zhao."

According to an affidavit filed byYuan'sbrother,QiangYuan, the businessman was the realowner of thehome where his body was found, but the property wasplaced in the names ofZhaoand Li.

QiangYuanclaims his brother supported the couple andpaid for all expensesrelated to the house.

Now, Yuan's brother has filed apetition to stop Zhao or Li from accessing assets the family claims belonged to Yuan and toact as executor of the estate.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Read the statement from the Zhao family's lawyer denying the allegations.