The 25-year-old female suspect Zhang Xiaoning, who was involved in the murder of Chinese-American lawyer Li Jinjin, appeared in the Queens State Superior Court wearing a yellow prison uniform on the 9th. Her defense lawyer submitted a mental examination report and initiated a motion. The prosecution requested that professionals be sent to re-evaluate Zhang Xiaoning Mental examination, the next court date is February 8 next year.
Accompanied by her defense lawyer and Chinese translator, Zhang Xiaoning appeared in court that day. During the period, she looked calm, did not look around, and did not interrupt; the presiding judge Kenneth C. Holder said that the defendant submitted a mental examination report a few days ago and A motion was initiated, and the relevant report has been sent to the prosecution, which may also hire experts to re-evaluate.
The lawyer questioned Zhang Xiaoning’s living environment in prison. Hou Dun suggested applying to the detention center first. He pointed out that he could only intervene in the prison that required the transfer of prisoners unless he was involved in a case; Hou Dun asked the defense lawyer to submit a letter to communicate before making a judgment.
The Assistant Prosecutor said that some information about Zhang Xiaoning’s mental examination was deleted, and he asked to hire an expert to conduct a new mental examination; after the discussion of the three parties, the next court date is scheduled for February 8 next year, and the prosecution will provide more evidence at that time. After both parties reach a consensus, the case can proceed to the next stage.
According to police sources, Zhang Xiaoning was suspected of killing Chinese lawyer Li Jinjin with a knife in an office building on 39th Avenue in Flushing, Queens, at around 11 am on March 14 this year. She was prosecuted for six counts including illegal possession of weapons. If convicted, she will face imprisonment for 25 years to life imprisonment.
When interviewed by the police, Zhang Xiaoning admitted that he entered Li Jinjin’s office on the day of the incident, and then waved a Chinese flag, begging him not to withdraw his immigration case and claiming to sue the other party. Li Jinjin said, “No matter what, I will not leave.” When she regained consciousness, she found that Li Jinjin was already on top of her.
