A woman from Queens has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of an immigration lawyer, who had recently dropped her as a client.
This news comes from the Queens District Attorney’s office.
The woman, Xiaoning Zhang, who is 27 years old and lives in Flushing, was found guilty last month.
She faced several charges, including second-degree murder, possession of a weapon, choking someone, and harassment.
The victim was Jim Li, a well-known civil rights lawyer, recognized for his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in China.
Jim Li had taken Zhang on as a free client to help her with an asylum case.
However, after Zhang admitted to lying on her application, he decided to stop representing her, according to the prosecutors.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “A jury convicted Zhang, and today the judge sentenced her to the maximum penalty under the law.
We hope this sentencing brings some comfort to the victim’s family, friends, and the legal community, knowing justice has been served.”
The case dates back to March 11, 2022, when Zhang first visited Li’s law office in Flushing.
She demanded that he remove a photograph of her from the internet, which showed her protesting outside the United Nations.
When Li refused to do so, Zhang became angry and confessed to lying on her asylum application.
Li asked Zhang to leave the office, but she started choking him. The police were called, and Zhang was escorted out of the building, being warned not to return.
Just three days later, on March 14, 2022, Zhang came back to Li’s office, this time armed with two knives — one a small paring knife and the other a larger kitchen knife. She attacked Li, stabbing him in the chest and neck.
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An office worker managed to hold Zhang until the police arrived. Li was rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he was pronounced dead.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.
