In New York City’s Queens borough, Judge Kenneth Holder of the New York State Supreme Court announced today (October 2) the sentencing of Xiaoning Zhang, the perpetrator of the murder of well-known New York lawyer and civil rights leader Jim Li, to serve 25 years to life in prison.
The jury on September 20 found Xiaoning Zhang guilty on all six counts, including second-degree murder. Judge Holder handed down the sentencing to the perpetrator today.
The judge declared the following sentences for Xiaoning Zhang: 25 years to life for second-degree murder; one year in prison for each of the two fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon charges; 90 days in prison for the third-degree threat charge; one year in prison for obstructing breathing or blood circulation; and 15 days in prison for second-degree harassment.
Family members of Jim Li, as well as his close friends, attended the court to hear the verdict being delivered.