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David White / Stuff
Manchao Li was found guilty of murdering his ex-wife.
A man who stabbed his ex-wife in broad daylight on a West Auckland street was sentenced to life in prison for her murder.
Zhimin Yang, also known as Jennifer Yang, came to New Zealand in search of a better life with Manchao Li.
On July 29, 2019, Li stabbed her to death in broad daylight while waiting for a bus in Massey.
On Friday, Judge Pheroze Jagose sentenced Li to life in prison with a minimum of 19 years behind bars.
READ MORE:
* Stabbing in West Auckland: Man convicted of murdering his ex-wife
* Stabbing in West Auckland: Manchao Li intended to kill his ex-wife, says Crown
* Stabbing in West Auckland: Murder defendant was ‘pretty calm’ when he underwent a mental health assessment
* Stabbing in West Auckland – Man admits to inflicting injuries but cannot recall the incident
He was also convicted of violating a protection order.
During the trial, he was described as “obsessed” and “obsessed” with revenge after a property dispute after his divorce.
The former university professor was stabbed 12 times in less than a minute with a hunting knife. Li admitted that stabbing her just once would have been enough to cause her death.
Zhimin Yang’s body was found on the brink and members of the public tried to keep her alive.
At the trial, Li testified in his own defense admitting to causing his death. However, he said that he never intended to kill her.
His lawyers said Li, who was diagnosed with chronic depression, was in very poor condition at the time of the attack and his long history with mental health indicated this.
On Friday, Yang’s son, who has his name permanently deleted, appeared via video link and told the court that Li had destroyed his life and that of his extended family.
Over the past two decades, he and his family learned of Li’s abuse and threats and did everything they could to protect her.
“My life will always be full of pain.”
Yang’s son said that Li was always going to kill and thinks it should have been him.
“How much better would it be if I died instead of my mother … a sudden death is better than a slow death that I am feeling now.”
“I feel guilty every day,” he said.
He said Li was a “very committed murderer” with a detailed plan to take his mother away.
“It was a bloody, cruel, ruthless and brutal murder.”
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At trial, Manchao Li admitted to sending threatening letters and leaving dead animals in a mailbox at the rental property of Zhimin Yang’s children.
On Friday, Crown Prosecutor Nick Webby said Li should spend at least 17 years behind bars because of the murder that involved calculated and lengthy planning and was not impulsive.
Webby said Li has not shown any remorse for his actions.
Li interrupted the process by demanding that he speak to the judge.
“Lord Li, I will not give you a chance to speak. You must listen to me, “Judge Jagose said.
Judge Jagose said Li’s own evidence was a “dishonest justification.”
“This (murder) was entirely driven by you despite attempts by her, her family and the authorities to keep her safe from you,” Judge Jagose said.
MORE TO COME
Where to get help
- In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
- If it’s an emergency Click here to find the number of your local crisis assessment team
- Women’s shelter Telephone 0800 REFUGIO (733843)
- Shine Free helpline 0508 744633
- Shakti Crisis Line 0800742584: Offers specialized cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children.
- menot well Information line 0800456450.
- Life line 0800 543 354
- Rural support trust 0800 787 254
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828865 (0508 SUPPORT)
- Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options here.
- Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
