Skip to content

Drug-addled killer gets 12 years

A man who may have been suffering from a methamphetamines-induced psychosis in January 2008, when he strangled to death a Richmond woman, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail.

A man who may have been suffering from a methamphetamines-induced psychosis in January 2008, when he strangled to death a Richmond woman, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail.

Xin Fu Zhu, 50, was initially charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of Ruo Yu "Lucy" Cao, 26. But, on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to the lesser and included offence of manslaughter.

Cao's body was found in her condo by her landlord after she had not been seen for a time. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the suite and both Zhu and Cao had been consuming meth at the time.

In imposing sentence Friday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Laura Gerow noted that Zhu likely surprised Cao from behind when he strangled her.

Click here to see more from the Province.