Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang, in his 30s, was executed by firing squad on the same day he received his death sentence, becoming the first celebrity in China to face capital punishment.
The crime dates back to February 26, 2022, when Zhang Yiyang allegedly murdered his 16-year-old girlfriend, identified as A. After she reportedly attempted to end the relationship, Zhang Yiyang stabbed her multiple times, causing fatal bleeding and asphyxiation. Following the attack, he returned home to clean and dispose of evidence, then attempted suicide at a hotel, but was stopped and arrested by hotel staff.
Investigations revealed that Zhang Yiyang had previously threatened extreme actions to maintain the relationship, displaying controlling and paranoid behavior. The Shanxi Province Intermediate People’s Court later ruled that the motive was extremely malicious and the method exceptionally cruel, noting no signs of remorse, and sentenced him to death. The execution was carried out immediately after the verdict.
Zhang Yiyang debuted in 2012 on the variety show Happy to Move and released his first music album in 2015. He also received a Best New Actor award in 2019.
This case has shocked the Chinese entertainment industry and the public, highlighting the severity of criminal accountability even for celebrities.
Sources: Daum
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