Burglar given death penalty for triple murder

Zeng Chunliang, who killed three people and injured a child last year, was sentenced to death by the Yichun Intermediate People's Court in Jiangxi province on Monday.

Zeng was also sentenced to 10 years in prison for armed robbery and two years for burglary, with a fine of 20,000 yuan ($3,088), the court said.

After hearing the ruling, Zeng said he would not appeal to a higher court, the Paper, an online news outlet, reported on Monday.

Under the Criminal Procedure Law, death sentences handed down by lower courts should be submitted to the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, for review, and can only be executed after the top court's approval.

Zeng broke into a house in Le'an county on July 21, but failed to steal any goods. He remained in the building and was confronted by the householders the next day, according to the intermediate court.

After fleeing the house, Zeng heard county police were looking for him and he decided to take revenge on the family as he thought they had informed on him.

On Aug 8, Zeng entered the family home armed with a knife and stabbed dead an elderly couple and injured a child. He also stole watches, sliver bracelets and other items valued at more than 7,700 yuan ($1,190) before leaving the house.

Five days later, he killed a poverty relief official, and stole motorcycles and a motorized tricycle worth more than 3,100 yuan.

Zeng was captured by county police on Aug 16, after a weeklong search of the countryside, including mountainous areas.

He was charged with intentional homicide, robbery and burglary by prosecutors in Yichun in October, and his case was publicly heard by the intermediate court on Dec 21.

During the trial, Zeng said he regretted the killings and was prepared to pay for them with his life.