Chinese singer and actor Zhang Yiyang was executed in December 2024, marking a rare case of a celebrity receiving the death penalty in China for a violent crime. Zhang was convicted for the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend, a tragic incident that occurred in February 2022. According to reports from various news sources, he lured the teenager to a remote area under the pretext of celebrating his birthday.
During the meeting, an argument ensued after the victim expressed her wish to end their relationship, which escalated into a violent confrontation. In a shocking act, Zhang stabbed her repeatedly with a folding knife, leading to her immediate death due to severe injuries involving her carotid artery and windpipe. To cover up his actions, Zhang initially tried to stage the scene as a suicide and even attempted to take his own life.
Following his arrest, Zhang faced charges of intentional homicide. After a trial that attracted considerable media attention due to the actor’s rising fame and the heinous nature of the crime, the court ruled that Zhang’s actions demonstrated a significant threat to public safety. The death sentence was upheld even after an appeal.
The execution was conducted by firing squad, a method that remains in practice in China. This case has sparked discussions about celebrity accountability and the legal system’s response to violent crimes.
Zhang Yiyang’s tragic case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of violent actions, regardless of one’s status in society, and emphasizes the importance of addressing such issues within the entertainment industry and beyond.