New York renowned lawyer and democracy leader Li Jinjin’s murder case, the suspect Zhang Xiaoning appeared in court again on September 4th. Zhang’s defense lawyer pointed out that they will not defend Zhang on the grounds of mental illness, but rather on the basis of emotional disturbance. The judge announced the start of jury selection and stated that the case is expected to conclude around September 18th or 19th, taking approximately two weeks.
During Zhang Xiaoning’s court appearance yesterday, she did not wear prison uniform for the first time, instead opting for a grey suit. Judge Kenneth Holder has been selecting the jury for the past two days, with the actual trial set to commence next Monday. Following that, the court began selecting the jury from a pool of over 90 individuals.
The judge first gave Zhang Xiaoning a final chance to plead guilty, presenting a plea agreement of 23 years for involuntary manslaughter. When asked if she pleaded guilty, Zhang Xiaoning promptly replied “No,” refusing to admit guilt.
Zhang Xiaoning’s lawyer, Scott Celestin, stated that the defendant adamantly does not want to use mental illness as a defense, saying, “I spoke with Zhang today, and she firmly expressed that she does not want to use any mental illness as a defense.” However, her behavior suggests there may be emotional disturbance present. In June of this year, he proposed using PED (psychological and emotional disturbance) as a defense.
The assistant prosecutor indicated that an agreement had been reached with the defense, with loss of emotional control being the key defense strategy, backed by relevant opinions and reports.
The court has received witness testimonies and is awaiting further documents, including medical records from Rikers Island. There may be cross-examinations regarding Zhang’s emotional state, especially pertaining to moments of loss of control or lack of agency.
On March 14, 2022, Li Jinjin was fatally stabbed by her 1997-born client Zhang Xiaoning at her office on the fourth floor of 136-56 39th Avenue in Flushing. Li Jinjin sustained four stab wounds, located on her neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, and torso. Zhang Xiaoning was arrested at the scene, with police finding kitchen knives in her possession at both the crime scene and inside her coat pocket. On the day of her arrest, during her interrogation at the 109th precinct of the New York City Police Department, Zhang Xiaoning confessed to pulling out “Chinese flags” before the stabbing (multiple Chinese and Communist flags were also found at the crime scene). Zhang Xiaoning faces charges of second-degree murder and six other offenses. If convicted, her maximum sentence ranges from 25 years to life imprisonment.