Xiaoning Zhang Sentenced for Murder of Jim Li

Xiaoning Zhang, a 27-year-old woman from Flushing, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of immigration lawyer Jim Li, who was fatally stabbed after dropping her as a client. Li, 66, had taken on Zhang's asylum case pro bono but ceased representation after she admitted to falsifying her asylum application. Following this dismissal, Zhang returned to Li's office three days later armed with kitchen knives and attacked him, resulting in his death. The jury found her guilty of second-degree murder and several other charges. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized Li's legacy as an activist during the Tiananmen Square uprising and expressed hope that the sentencing provides some solace to his family and the legal community. The case highlights the tragic consequences of a client-lawyer relationship gone violently wrong.