A 24-year-old American man accused of killing a Chinese student near the University of Utah in the western U.S. state of Utah was arrested on Tuesday, police confirmed.
"Suspect in #homicide is in custody," the Salt Lake City Police Department tweeted at about 12:45 p.m local time (0645 GMT, Wednesday).
"Austin Boutain, suspect in fatal shooting Monday, has been apprehended. He is now in custody," the University of Utah also texted the news to students.
Boutain, a white male with a tear drop tattoo on his face as well as tattoos on his neck and one arm, was identified as the suspect in the killing of a 23-year-old Chinese student on Monday night in a failed carjacking attempt near the University of Utah's Salt Lake City campus.
The victim was Chenwei Guo, who was a pre-computer science major and worked as a peer advisor in the university's International Student and Scholar Services Office, Shaw Wood, a communications specialist of the university confirmed to Xinhua.
He "was killed in a senseless, random act of violence," Wood said.
"Chenwei was parked near the gate in Red Butte Canyon when the suspect fatally shot him while attempting to hijack his vehicle," David Pershing, president of the university, said in a letter released early Tuesday.
"We have canceled classes today in respect of Chenwei and the impact this violent event has had on our campus community," said Pershing.
"Chenwei Guo (was) seriously one of the kindest guys I've ever met. He offered to come fix my car for me after only meeting one time. He included me when I didn't know anyone, and he was one heck of a dancer. You will be missed. Please pray for his family and friends," Jennifer Stout, one of Guo's friends posted on Guo's facebook.
Guo was also a former missionary at Utah Provo Mission and the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to a social media profile.
"We will miss your smile and jokes whenever you were around. Your faith and testimony will live with us forever. We love you and will miss you so much!" Diandra Subandriyo Guo, the victim's friend posted.
A campus gathering in his honor was being organized for Tuesday night, according to social media.
Assisted by a helicopter and snipers, hundreds of local and federal law enforcement personnel hunted Boutain all night on campus and the foothills above the university, but did not locate him.
Boutain was taken into custody without incident at a public library in the city's downtown, Keith Horrocks, detective of the Salt Lake City Police Department, was quoted as saying by local media reports.
The Chinese embassy in Washington paid high attention to the incident and expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to Guo's relatives, a Chinese embassy official told Xinhua.
The Chinese embassy has made contact with the police after the incident, urging timely investigations into the incident.
The Chinese embassy will closely follow the development of the case, and provide assistance for the relatives during their stay in the United States, the official said.
Police disclosed Tuesday that the suspect, who has a criminal history, and his 23-year-old wife Kathleen Boutain may also be related to a homicide committed last week in Golden, Colorado, said the police.
Reports said a 63-year-old man's body was found Tuesday in a trailer in Golden. Police believe Boutain had been driving the man's pickup truck which is still missing.
