In a poignant courtroom scene on October 2nd, the defendant, Zhang Xiaoning, erupted in tears as she proclaimed her lack of regret regarding her actions. She argued that the sentence she received—25 years to life in prison, handed down by Judge Kenneth Holder of the New York State Supreme Court—was unjust. This sentence pertains to the murder of Chinese-American attorney Li Jinjing, for which Zhang faced six serious charges.
Last month, Zhang was found guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder and two counts of illegal weapon possession. During the sentencing phase, several friends and family members of Li took the stand, expressing their profound grief and urging the judge to impose a severe penalty on Zhang. In response, Judge Holder announced that he would apply the maximum penalties to all six charges, reiterating that while Zhang might stay in the U.S., her future lay behind bars.
As the court proceedings unfolded, Zhang sobbed and declared, “I feel this judgment is unfair. They say I have no remorse for Li Jinjing, but I have mourned for him over the past three years. Just because I don’t feel guilt doesn’t mean I should accept an unjust sentence.”
The trial spanned two weeks, culminating with the jury’s verdict on September 20. Yi Gai, a friend of Li’s representing the family, depicted Li as a devoted father and husband who dedicated his life to advocating for democracy in China while ensuring his family’s happiness. He shared the deep pain that Zhang’s violent actions have inflicted on Li’s loved ones, particularly emphasizing the suffering of Li’s son, who has struggled to cope with the loss, and Li’s elderly mother, who remains unaware of her son’s tragic fate.
Yi Gai highlighted that Zhang’s violence not only devastated Li’s family but also instilled fear in the broader Chinese community in New York and beyond. He urged the judge to impose the harshest possible sentence on Zhang, expressing that it would serve as some comfort for Li’s spirit.
Chris, a former colleague of Li, reflected on Li’s commitment to serving marginalized populations as a selfless attorney. He lamented that Zhang’s actions disrupted public legal service systems, instilling fear among attorneys who might otherwise take on similar cases, ultimately leading to the closure of Li’s law firm and negatively impacting numerous immigration cases.
With emotion evident, Chris recalled, “The scene from that day is etched in my memory forever. The violence Li faced and his senseless death occurred in a space we all considered a second home, shattering our sense of safety. It may take years—perhaps a lifetime—for us to confront the nightmares, anxiety, and guilt of failing to protect our friend and mentor.”
After listening to Li’s friends, Zhang removed her mask, tears flowing down her face, and expressed, “I feel this sentence is unfair. They keep saying I have no contrition for Li, but I’ve been grieving for him. Not feeling guilt or remorse doesn’t mean I have to accept an unjust judgment.” As she attempted to raise concerns about her mental health report and the details of Li’s autopsy, the judge interjected.
In his closing remarks, Judge Holder sternly condemned Zhang’s violent actions, suggesting they demonstrated a calculated level of cruelty. He questioned her motives for choosing Li as her attorney and her intentions in coming to the U.S., pointing out the ironic situation of a survivor from a Chinese prison becoming a murderer in Queens, while emphasizing the premeditated nature of her crime.
“From the way you killed Li Jinjing, it’s clear you came here to murder him. You stabbed his neck, lung, heart, and intestines, and your actions demonstrated a level of skill. While I won’t say you were formally trained, your efficiency is unmistakable,” the judge stated.
As his tone escalated, the judge labeled Zhang as a dangerous individual, affirming, “You will fulfill your wish to remain in the U.S., but not as a free person. You will be a guest in our prison. I hope they keep you in the maximum-security unit and ensure your every move is monitored because in this court’s view, you are an extremely dangerous woman.”
In his final ruling, Judge Holder sentenced Zhang to 25 years to life for second-degree murder, along with additional concurrent sentences for the other charges. As she left the courtroom, Zhang announced her intention to appeal, to which the judge responded, “That is your right.”
