For strangling 16-year old schoolgirl to death, and for trying to murder her stepfather with a Chinese revenge attack, a murderer was sentenced to at least 30 year imprisonment.
Chun Xu, 32, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted him of the murdering Wenjing Lin, also known as Wenjing Xu, by strangling her at the Blue Sky restaurant in Ynyswen, Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, on March 5.
Illegal immigrant Xu was also convicted for attempting to assassinate Wenjing’s stepfather Yongguan Jiang.
Merthyr Tydfil crown court in Xu was informed by His Honour Judge PH. Thomas QC: ‘You brutally murdered a innocent sixteen-year-old girl at her home.
You killed her to exact revenge against her mother. Wenjing was innocent of any wrongdoing.
After a jury convicted Chun Xu of murdering Wenjing Li, also known by Wenjing Xu on March 5, 2018, Chun Xu was sentenced to life imprisonment.
You, however, killed her by strangling face first with your hands.
“It left her mother completely bereft. Her only child was taken from her by her, who she thought of as a part her extended family.
According to the judge, there is no doubt that the murderous and vengeful attack on the family was well planned.
He stated that the revenge motive is a significant, aggravating feature. It was cruelly and savagely planned and executed.
After the sentencing, he said: “To ensure everyone understands it, you’ll be in your 60s before applying to be released.”
“That will happen in the year 2051. It does not necessarily mean that you’ll be freed in the year 2051.
“If you do not consider it safe and appropriate, you may not be allowed to leave prison.”
Merthyr Tydfil crown court in Xu was represented by His Honour Judge PH Thomas QC. He said that he had sentencing for Xu.
Wenjing spent her time at Baglan Street’s take-out with her mother MeifangXu and Mr Jiang.
The trial heard that Xu was a heavy gambler and owed the family £14,000.
According to some reports, he had a kitchen knife with him when he went to visit them. He also Googled “Can fingerprints be burned by fire” an hour prior.
Later, when he was questioned about whether he would be able to interview police officers for interviews, he stated that he didn’t intend to harm the girl. Her mother was my target.
“She upset me on numerous occasions and didn’t listen to anything I said.”
Wenjing’s mother spoke to the court through a translator and was emotional as she stated that her life had been “turned upside down” by the event.
She said that Wenjing is missed by the entire family and will be ‘in our hearts forever.
“She was my only child, and she was also my best friend,” she said. My everything. I couldn’t live without her.
“I make sure she has a good breakfast every day and I make her tea each night.
“But, our beautiful daughter is gone. I cannot forgive him.”
The trial heard that Xu (pictured) was a heavy gambler and owed the family £14,000
The court heard Mr Jiang tell the court that he misses his stepdaughter “unbelievably” and mention the scars he had left after being attacked.
Xu was also called Little Gang and despite not having blood relations with her, Ms Xu considered him a nephew.
The family entrusted him with £20,000 that he said he would send back to China for them to pay a friend who had lent them money to start their business in the UK.
However, Xu only sent some of the money back and gambled away £14,000, which he had then begun paying back.
After calling Ms. Xu to ask if he could come to their home, he told her to keep his secret. He then strangled 16-year-old Wenjing to death the following morning.
After Wenjing was killed, Xu attacked her stepfather using two knives and stabbed him in both the neck and head.
Mr Jiang asked Xu to explain why he was attacking his wife. Xu responded: ‘Money money money.
Mr Jiang fought Xu and then went to Find Wenjing. By the takeaway counter, he found her on her back.
Although the family tried to revive the teenager with paramedics, they were unable to do so at 12.59 pm.
Xu, who had cut his own throat, was discovered by the police. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales and treated before being detained on suspicion of attempted murder.
Michael Jones QC the Prosecutor, stated to the court that Xu was first brought into the notice of immigration officials in 2015. This happened after a raid at a Chinese takeaway in Merthyr Tidfil.
He had applied to the UK for asylum and was then invited for an interview. However, he declined.
The court learned that Xu was never allowed to reside in the UK.