Chinese Actor Zhang Yiyang Executed for Murdering His 16-Year-Old Girlfriend

Becomes the First Celebrity in Mainland China to Be Put to Death

Up-and-coming Chinese singer and actor Zhang Yiyang has been put to death after murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend in February 2022.

In 2022, Zhang Yiyang became the first celebrity in mainland China to be executed for committing such a violent crime. He was executed on December 18, 2024, for his actions. However, details of his death were only made public this year by the Xianyang Intermediate People’s Court in Shaanxi.

Timeline of the Incident

When Did the Crime Happen?

According to Koreaboo and Dimsumdaily Hong Kong, the incident occurred on February 26, 2022.

• Zhang Yiyang led his girlfriend to a remote woodland area in Xingping City under the pretense of celebrating his birthday.
• During the meeting, the girl attempted to break up with him, which led to an emotional confrontation.

Details of the Crime

How Did Zhang Kill the Girl?

• Zhang became violent during the argument.
• He pulled out a folding knife and stabbed the girl multiple times in the neck.
• The stabbing severed her carotid artery and trachea, resulting in her immediate death.

How Did Zhang Try to Conceal the Crime?

• Zhang staged the scene to appear as a suicide to cover up the murder.
• He later attempted to take his own life but survived.
• Police captured him in a nearby village.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

• The crime quickly became a national scandal in China, as Zhang was considered a rising star in the entertainment industry.
• He had starred in several television dramas and web series, gaining considerable popularity.

Conviction and Execution

• Zhang Yiyang was convicted of intentional homicide.
• His appeal was denied, and he was sentenced to death.
• He was executed by a firing squad in December 2024, a method of execution that is still practiced in China.

A Notable and Tragic Case

Zhang Yiyang’s case is one of the most shocking in modern Chinese entertainment history.
Once seen as a potential next superstar, Zhang became Mainland China’s first celebrity to receive a death sentence for a serious crime.