Popular Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang has been executed by firing squad for the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend, becoming the first Chinese celebrity to face such punishment.
The Intermediate People's Court of Xianyang in North Shaanxi Province officially announced Zhang's execution, which took place on December 18, 2024. The court's report, made public in July 2025, detailed the gruesome nature of the crime.
According to court documents, Zhang attacked his teenage girlfriend with a knife in 2022, severing her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus. The victim suffered massive bleeding that led to her death.
The investigation revealed that Zhang began dating the victim in September 2021. The murder occurred after she proposed breaking up following a dispute between the couple.
In an apparent attempt to cover his tracks, Zhang took the deceased's mobile phone and disposed of the murder weapon and other evidence in a reservoir. The day after the killing, he attempted suicide at a hotel but was discovered by a staff member who alerted authorities.
Zhang was known for several popular songs including "I Only Care About People Who Care About Me," "So Care About You," and "Crying Man." His execution has sent shockwaves through the Chinese entertainment industry and his fanbase.
The case highlights China's strict enforcement of capital punishment for serious crimes, even when involving high-profile celebrities.
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