In a case that sent shockwaves through the city of Melbourne, a Chinese international student has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the brutal killings of two sex workers in December 2022. The 24-year-old, identified as Xiaozheng Lin, struck a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting to two counts of manslaughter in exchange for the murder charges being dropped.
The court heard how Lin visited a brothel in the suburb of Oakleigh South on Boxing Day 2022, before being driven by a friend to the apartment of 31-year-old sex worker Yuqi Luo in Melbourne’s CBD. After engaging in sexual services, Lin became enraged when Luo asked for an additional $100 fee. In a fit of rage, he strangled her and left her gasping for air, stealing $7,000 in cash and personal belongings before fleeing the scene.
Shockingly, just 24 hours later, Lin struck again. He visited the Docklands apartment of 51-year-old sex worker Hyun Sook Jeon and assaulted her after engaging in sexual activity. Jeon’s cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of her body by the time it was discovered on December 31st.
Vulnerable and Defenceless Victims
In handing down the sentence, Justice Stephen Kaye described Lin’s victims as “vulnerable and defenceless women” who were attacked in their own homes. He noted that the fact Lin was undeterred after the first killing and went on to commit a second within 24 hours was a significant aggravating factor.
“Having assaulted Ms Luo in circumstances where you left her stricken and gasping for breath … you plainly suffered no pang of consciousness.”
– Justice Stephen Kaye
Manslaughter Plea Deal Criticized
The case has sparked outrage among advocates for sex workers’ rights and safety. Many have criticized the decision to allow Lin to plead guilty to the lesser charges of manslaughter, arguing it diminishes the severity of his crimes and fails to deliver true justice for the victims.
“This plea deal sends the message that the lives of sex workers are somehow less valuable. These women deserved better from the justice system that was meant to protect them.”
– Sex worker rights advocate, speaking on condition of anonymity
Calls for Stricter Laws to Protect Sex Workers
The brutal killings have reignited calls for stricter laws and protections for sex workers in Australia. Advocates argue that the criminalization and stigmatization of the industry leave workers vulnerable to violence and exploitation, with many reluctant to report crimes for fear of legal repercussions or discrimination.
- Decriminalization of sex work to allow for better regulation and worker protections
- Improved screening and monitoring of clients to identify potential threats
- Increased funding for support services and exit programs for sex workers
- Education campaigns to reduce stigma and promote respect for sex workers’ rights
Deportation Likely for International Student Killer
Lin, a Chinese national, has already served almost two years of his nine-year sentence and could be eligible for parole in just seven years. Upon his release, he will likely face deportation back to China.
The case has also raised questions about the screening and monitoring of international students in Australia. Lin had been studying in Melbourne for several years at the time of the killings, but little is known about his background or any previous criminal history.
A City in Mourning
As Melbourne comes to terms with this shocking crime, the families and friends of Yuqi Luo and Hyun Sook Jeon are left to grapple with their immense loss. The city’s close-knit sex worker community has been left reeling, with many expressing fears for their own safety in the wake of the killings.
While Lin’s sentencing may provide some measure of closure, it is clear that much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of sex workers in Australia and beyond. Only by confronting the systemic issues that leave these individuals vulnerable to violence and exploitation can we hope to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.
Shockingly, just 24 hours later, Lin struck again. He visited the Docklands apartment of 51-year-old sex worker Hyun Sook Jeon and assaulted her after engaging in sexual activity. Jeon’s cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of her body by the time it was discovered on December 31st.
Vulnerable and Defenceless Victims
In handing down the sentence, Justice Stephen Kaye described Lin’s victims as “vulnerable and defenceless women” who were attacked in their own homes. He noted that the fact Lin was undeterred after the first killing and went on to commit a second within 24 hours was a significant aggravating factor.
“Having assaulted Ms Luo in circumstances where you left her stricken and gasping for breath … you plainly suffered no pang of consciousness.”
– Justice Stephen Kaye
Manslaughter Plea Deal Criticized
The case has sparked outrage among advocates for sex workers’ rights and safety. Many have criticized the decision to allow Lin to plead guilty to the lesser charges of manslaughter, arguing it diminishes the severity of his crimes and fails to deliver true justice for the victims.
“This plea deal sends the message that the lives of sex workers are somehow less valuable. These women deserved better from the justice system that was meant to protect them.”
– Sex worker rights advocate, speaking on condition of anonymity
Calls for Stricter Laws to Protect Sex Workers
The brutal killings have reignited calls for stricter laws and protections for sex workers in Australia. Advocates argue that the criminalization and stigmatization of the industry leave workers vulnerable to violence and exploitation, with many reluctant to report crimes for fear of legal repercussions or discrimination.
- Decriminalization of sex work to allow for better regulation and worker protections
- Improved screening and monitoring of clients to identify potential threats
- Increased funding for support services and exit programs for sex workers
- Education campaigns to reduce stigma and promote respect for sex workers’ rights
Deportation Likely for International Student Killer
Lin, a Chinese national, has already served almost two years of his nine-year sentence and could be eligible for parole in just seven years. Upon his release, he will likely face deportation back to China.
The case has also raised questions about the screening and monitoring of international students in Australia. Lin had been studying in Melbourne for several years at the time of the killings, but little is known about his background or any previous criminal history.
A City in Mourning
As Melbourne comes to terms with this shocking crime, the families and friends of Yuqi Luo and Hyun Sook Jeon are left to grapple with their immense loss. The city’s close-knit sex worker community has been left reeling, with many expressing fears for their own safety in the wake of the killings.
While Lin’s sentencing may provide some measure of closure, it is clear that much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of sex workers in Australia and beyond. Only by confronting the systemic issues that leave these individuals vulnerable to violence and exploitation can we hope to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.
