A New York woman was found guilty of murdering her immigration lawyer, Jim Li, in a shocking and tragic incident that unfolded in March 2022. Xiaoning Zhang, a 27-year-old resident of Queens in New York City, fatally stabbed the 66-year-old lawyer just three days after being escorted from his office by police following a violent altercation. The motive for the brutal attack was reportedly linked to Li’s decision to drop Zhang as a pro bono asylum client.
Li, a well-known immigration attorney in Flushing, had a remarkable history that included being jailed for 22 months in China after participating in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Seeking asylum in the United States in 1993, Li had built a reputation as a respected and compassionate advocate for immigrants in need. His untimely death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and colleagues, with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz acknowledging his heroism in her statement following Zhang’s conviction.
The tragic chain of events leading to Li’s murder began when Zhang became enraged upon learning that Li could not remove a photo of her protesting at the United Nations from the internet. Additionally, Zhang admitted to fabricating a story about being raped by police in China as part of her asylum application. When Li informed her that he could no longer represent her due to these discrepancies, Zhang responded by physically assaulting him, grabbing him by the neck and choking him.
Police intervened and escorted Zhang out of the building, warning her not to return. However, on March 14, 2022, she returned armed with two knives and launched a vicious attack on Li, stabbing him multiple times in the chest and neck. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the community and led to Zhang’s subsequent arrest and trial.
Following a thorough legal process, Zhang was convicted of murder in the second degree, as well as other charges including criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and harassment. With sentencing scheduled for October 2, Zhang faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison for her heinous actions.
The case has raised important questions about the safety of legal professionals and the potential dangers they face in their line of work. It also serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in the immigration system, highlighting the vulnerabilities of both clients and attorneys in such high-stakes situations.
Moving forward, the legal community and law enforcement agencies must continue to prioritize the safety and security of all individuals involved in the legal process. By addressing issues of violence and aggression towards legal professionals, steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the sentencing date approaches, the memory of Jim Li’s legacy and his dedication to justice and compassion will continue to resonate within the legal community and beyond. His tragic death serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices that legal professionals make in their pursuit of justice and service to those in need. May his memory be honored and his contributions remembered as a testament to the enduring impact of his work.