Zhang Yongming
Zhang Yongming | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1956 |
| Died | January 10, 2013 (aged 56–57) |
| Cause of death | Execution |
| Other names | The Cannibal Killer Cannibal Monster |
| Conviction(s) | Intentional homicide Cannibalism |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Victims | 12 |
Span of crimes | 1979; March 2008 – April 2012 |
| Country | China |
| State(s) | Yunnan |
Date apprehended | May 9, 2012 |
Zhang Yongming (Chinese: 张永明; 1956 – January 10, 2013) was a Chinese serial killer and cannibal who was convicted of, and subsequently confessed to, the murder of 11 men between March 2008 and April 2012. It is believed that he fed flesh from some of his victims to his dogs and sold other parts at the local market, calling it "ostrich meat". He was executed on January 10, 2013.
Biography
[edit]Little is known about Zhang's early life. He was arrested and sentenced to death in 1979 for intentional homicide, but was released in September 1997 after receiving sentence reductions. Upon his release, he was given some land near his village of Nanmen in Jincheng Township, Jinning County, China.[1]
Crimes
[edit]In early May 2012, the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China sent a team of investigators to Yunnan Province after media reports of missing teenagers in the area. One of the missing persons, a 19-year-old man, identified as Han Yao, was confirmed as having been murdered.[2] The investigation showed that an alleged serial killer had begun attacking males who were walking along a road near Zhang's home starting in 2008. After the murders, it was alleged that Zhang used various means of disposing of the bodies, including dismemberment, burning, and burial.[1] Residents of Zhang's village stated they had seen plastic bags hanging from his home with what appeared to be bones protruding from them. Upon entering his home, police reported discovering human eyeballs preserved in bottles and what appeared to be human flesh drying. It was further alleged that Zhang fed his dogs flesh from some of his victims as well as selling it at the local market, calling it "ostrich meat".[3]
Aftermath
[edit]During his trial, it was reported that Zhang refused to apologize for the killings and did not show any remorse.[4] He was executed on January 10, 2013.[5]
Twelve police officers were penalized for dereliction of duty regarding the murders, including Da Qiming, Jinning police chief, and Zhao Huiyun, head of the Jincheng Township police station, who were both dismissed from office.[2]
See also
[edit]- Eight Immortals Restaurant murders
- List of incidents of cannibalism
- List of serial killers in China
- List of serial killers by number of victims
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Man arrested for killing 11 in SW China". Xinhua. May 27, 2012. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012.
- ^ a b "Team sent to investigate missing children's case". Xinhua. May 23, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
- ^ "Flesh-selling killer cannibal put to death". The Standard. January 11, 2013.
- ^ "Serial killer sentenced to death in SW China". Xinhua. July 28, 2012. Archived from the original on January 5, 2014.
- ^ "Serial killer executed in SW China". Xinhua. January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013.
- 1956 births
- 2008 murders in China
- 2010 murders in China
- 2012 murders in China
- 2013 deaths
- 21st-century Chinese criminals
- 21st-century executions by China
- Cannibals
- Chinese male criminals
- Executed Chinese serial killers
- Executed People's Republic of China people
- People convicted of murder by the People's Republic of China
- People executed by China by firearm
- Violence against men in Asia