The court hearing for the case of Zhang Xiaoning, who is accused of killing the prominent New York lawyer and democracy activist Li Jinjin, continued on July 17 at the New York State Supreme Court in Queens. The judge announced that the case will enter the trial phase on September 4, when jury selection will begin. Both the prosecution and defense are further exchanging evidence to prepare for the next steps.
After the hearing, the judge, prosecutors, and defense lawyers stated that the defendant Zhang Xiaoning underwent another mental evaluation, which progressed smoothly, and she was willing to answer questions. The prosecution mentioned that they are still waiting for the report from the mental evaluation, believing that it will be completed in two weeks.
The prosecution revealed that they have shared some evidence with the defense lawyers, including recordings from July 10 and data extracted from Zhang Xiaoning’s phone and laptop by the New York City Police Department. They also requested the defense to submit evidence documents and medical records.
Judge Holder stated that on August 13, he will confirm whether both sides have obtained all necessary documents and if the mental evaluation report has been completed and submitted. Finally, Judge Holder announced that the trial for this case will begin on September 4, starting with the jury selection process.
In May 2023, the judge previously stated that Zhang Xiaoning’s mental evaluation results were normal and suitable for trial. In the previous month, she stated in court in Chinese that she did not have “bipolar disorder.” The court has been focused on whether Zhang Xiaoning pleads guilty. During the court session on November 30, 2023, she explicitly stated that she does not plead guilty and declined the plea agreement proposed by the judge – 23 years in prison (later reduced to potentially 20 years).
On March 14, 2022, the well-known immigration lawyer and democracy activist Li Jinjin was fatally stabbed by Zhang Xiaoning, born in 1997, in his office at 136-56 39th Avenue, Flushing. Li Jinjin succumbed to four stab wounds in his neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, and torso. Zhang Xiaoning was arrested at the scene, and a kitchen knife was found both at the scene and among Zhang Xiaoning’s belongings. Zhang Xiaoning faces charges of second-degree murder and five other charges, with a potential sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment if convicted of second-degree murder.