On March 14, 2022, the community was rocked by the tragic murder of immigration attorney and pro-democracy advocate Li Jinjing in his Flushing, Queens, office at 136-56 39th Avenue. The 25-year-old Zhang Xiaoning stands accused of this heinous act, allegedly stabbing Li multiple times. Authorities apprehended Zhang at the scene, where they discovered two kitchen knives in her possession.
Following a two-week jury trial, a New York jury delivered a unanimous verdict, convicting Zhang on all six charges, including second-degree murder and two counts of illegal weapon possession. She now faces a possible prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life, with sentencing set for October 2.
The grand jury indicted Zhang in April 2022, charging her with second-degree murder among other offenses, yet she declined to accept a guilty plea. Initially, the prosecution offered a plea deal of 23 years for a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter, which was eventually reduced to 20 years. Nevertheless, Zhang maintained that a 17-year sentence was warranted, leading to the case being brought before a jury.
During the trial, the prosecution painted Zhang as “calculating, manipulative, and vengeful,” claiming that she had premeditated her attack on Li. They recounted how, after Li declined to take on her asylum case, Zhang had ominously threatened, “a life for a life,” just three days prior to the violent incident.
The prosecution dismissed Zhang’s assertions of delusion, arguing that such claims did not justify her actions. They criticized her for sidestepping crucial questions that portrayed her unfavorably, contending that her behavior was indicative of a consistent pattern; unable to cope with rejection, she attempted to manipulate those around her, ultimately culminating in tragedy.
After deliberating through the afternoon of the 19th and into the morning of the 20th, the jury found Zhang guilty on all charges, which included second-degree murder, two counts of illegal weapon possession, third-degree threat, second-degree harassment, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Under New York state law, second-degree murder carries a penalty of 25 years to life in prison.
Upon the verdict’s announcement, Zhang remained composed and, through a translator, quietly expressed her disagreement, stating, “I do not agree.” Responding to her, the judge remarked, “Whether you agree or not, this is the jury’s decision. A verdict is rendered precisely in situations of disagreement, and that is the role of the jury.”
