The defendant killed his wife, hid her body in a freezer for three months and impersonated her in text messages to her family and friends.
On October 17, 2016, after an argument at their home in Shanghai, Zhu strangled Yang to death, wrapped her body in a bedsheet, and hid it in the freezer. In the following months, Zhu transferred ¥45,000 (6,777USD) from Yang’s account to himself and used the money for shopping and travel, all while maintaining the illusion that she was still alive. The investigation revealed that Zhu had purchased books on human anatomy and a large-size freezer before the murder, suggesting premeditation
The case gained widespread public attention due to Zhu’s post-crime deception and the gruesome nature of the crime. Yang’s family demanded the death penalty, and media reports largely focused on the cruelty of the case. In August 2018, the Shanghai No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Zhu to death for intentional homicide, citing premeditation, post-crime deception, and lack of remorse, despite his voluntary surrender. Zhu appealed, but the Shanghai High People’s Court upheld the sentence in July 2019, which was later approved by the Supreme People’s Court. Zhu was executed on June 4, 2020.
The case highlights the influence of a culture of retaliatory justice, as both the victim’s family and the public strongly stand for the death penalty. In China, courts often impose capital punishment in such morally shocking cases that spark widespread public outcry, and arrange public officials, journalists and members of the public to observe the trial, seeking to deter crime and respond to societal concerns.