Addict’s killing spree

A gambling addict who killed two sex workers in Australia within 24 hours of each other will no longer face murder charges after striking a deal with prosecutors.

assaulted and strangled her to death before stealing over $7,000 in cash

Xiaozheng Lin, a 24-year-old Chinese national, visited the Melbourne apartment of 31-year-old Yuqi Luo, on December 27, 2022. After having sex with his victim, he assaulted and strangled her to death before stealing over $7,000 in cash.

Later that same day, Lin visited the apartment of 51-year-old Hyun Sook Jeon, whose body was later discovered with a blanket and towels wrapped around her head. A post-mortem was unable to conclusively determine how she had died.

However, after cutting a deal with prosecutors, Lin will now only face manslaughter charges for the two killings, which will likely carry far less time in prison.

Unprovoked attacks

The court heard that Lin used the women’s bank cards to pay his phone bill and attempt to clear debts on his sports betting account.

According to Lin, a struggle with Luo occurred after he demanded additional services and refused to pay her.

I controlled her with my hands but what happened next is completely forgotten.”

“We started to argue. I controlled her with my hands but what happened next is completely forgotten. But I did bring her under control with force,” said Lin, who cried in court after his offenses were read aloud.

“His assaults were entirely unprovoked on women who were physically smaller than him and he has provided no insight into the reasons why or how he killed Ms. Jeon,” said prosecutor Kristie Churchill.

Lin takes deal

In Victoria, the standard sentence for murder is 25 years to life. The deal with prosecutors reduces the charge to manslaughter, which will potentially slash Lin’s sentence.

Manslaughter charges in Victoria come with a maximum 25-year sentence; Lin will likely serve the vast majority of his sentences concurrently.

My daughter was 31 years old, right in the prime of her life.”

“We are suffering this tremendous emotional torture every day,” said Luo’s father in court. “My daughter was 31 years old, right in the prime of her life.”

Jeon’s husband also issued a statement.

Justice Stephen Kaye confirmed that he would sentence Lin within the next fortnight.