Ex-Virginia Tech student pleads guilty to murder in decapitation of student at campus eatery

Ex-Va. Tech student pleads guilty in decapitation

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. — A former Virginia Tech student accused of decapitating another student at a campus eatery has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Haiyang Zhu (hy-yuhng-joo) pleaded guilty Monday morning and now faces up to life in prison.

Zhu was charged with killing Xin Yang (shin yuhng) as the pair had coffee together in January.

Zhu did not say why he killed the woman during the hearing Monday.

Commonwealth’s attorney Brad Finch says the killing occurred after the woman rejected Zhu’s romantic overtures.

Zhu is expected to be sentenced on April 19.

(This version CORRECTS date of sentencing to April 19 sted April 1)