Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang became the first celebrity in mainland China to be executed by firing squad following his conviction for the brutal murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. The execution took place on December 18, 2024, but the news only became public in July 2025.
According to the official report from the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang in Shaanxi Province, the crime occurred on February 26, 2022, which was Zhang’s birthday. Zhang lured his girlfriend to a remote forest in Xingping City under the pretense of celebrating his birthday. During an argument, when she expressed her intention to break up, Zhang attacked her with a folding knife, stabbing her multiple times in the neck. The wounds severed her carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus, causing death by massive bleeding and asphyxiation.
Following the attack, Zhang attempted to cover up the crime by taking the deceased’s mobile phone and disposing of the knife and other related items in a reservoir. The next day, he tried to commit suicide in a hotel but was stopped by a hotel staff member who alerted the police. Zhang was subsequently arrested and hospitalized.
Chinese media and court findings noted that Zhang exhibited signs of psychological paranoia and had a controlling nature, frequently threatening suicide when his girlfriend considered ending the relationship.
Zhang was sentenced to death for intentional homicide, and his appeal was dismissed by the court. The execution was carried out by firing squad, a method still authorized under Chinese law.
Zhang Yiyang was known for his popular songs like "I Only Care About People Who Care About Me," "So Care About You," and "Crying Man." Despite his crime and execution, there has been public criticism over the continued release and circulation of his posthumous works, including the film The Sound Of Music (also known as Jieyou Sound Hall), released in March 2025.
