Man given capital punishment for killing of a judge

A man who fatally stabbed a judge over dissatisfaction with her ruling was sentenced to death by a court in China's Henan province, local authorities said Monday.

The Intermediate People's Court in Anyang found Dang Zhijun guilty of intentional homicide and also stripped him of his political rights for life.

According to the court, Dang initiated a civil lawsuit against an insurance company over a compensation dispute following a traffic accident. He had demanded more than 18,000 yuan ($2,465) for expenses and losses allegedly incurred during a hospital stay. However, an investigation revealed that Dang had submitted falsified evidence and was not actually hospitalized.

Judge Wang Jiajia ruled in April that the insurance company should pay Dang over 9,300 yuan in compensation based on verified evidence. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Dang sought revenge, the court said.

On Aug 7, Dang entered the residential complex where Wang lived, carrying two knives. He stabbed her more than 20 times in the chest and other vital areas, killing her on the spot, according to the court. He fled the scene and later attempted suicide by ingesting poison but survived after receiving medical treatment.

The court described Dang's actions as "despicable" and noted his unwillingness to reflect on his submission of false evidence in court proceedings. It said the killing caused significant public outrage and severe social harm.

In sentencing him to death, the court cited the grave consequences of the crime and its negative impact on society.

The killing, which occurred in the underground parking lot of Wang's residential building, drew widespread attention after it was disclosed by the Yancheng District People's Court in August. Wang, 37, was deputy chief judge of the district court's case filing division.

China's Supreme People's Court strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences to Wang's family and pledging to uphold justice.

Dang has said he plans to appeal the sentence.