Victorian Prosecutors Reach Deal with Xiaozheng Lin
Xiaozheng Lin, a 24-year-old Chinese national, has avoided a murder conviction after killing two sex workers in late 2022, striking a deal with Victorian prosecutors. Instead, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, leading to significantly lesser charges for the deaths of Yuqi Luo, 31, and Hyun Sook Jeon, 51.
Lin assaulted and strangled Ms. Luo in her Melbourne CBD apartment on December 27, 2022, leaving her body and stealing $7,000 in cash and belongings. Later that day, he killed Ms. Jeon in her Docklands apartment, where her body was found covered with a blanket and towels. Prosecutor Kristie Churchill described Lin’s actions as “unlawful and dangerous,” noting that he stole from both women and showed no regard for their dignity.
Lin was arrested shortly after the crimes, with security footage and stolen items linking him to the murders. Despite a double-murder trial looming, prosecutors accepted his manslaughter plea. Each charge carries a maximum of 25 years, but sentences may be served concurrently, resulting in a potentially shorter prison term.
The families of the victims expressed profound emotional pain, describing their loss as “tremendous emotional torture” as they seek justice for their loved ones.