Gambling addiction may push people into different unlawful activities. Some consider fraud, scams or theft as a way to accumulate funds quickly to settle a gambling debt or fuel their gambling while others may cross a line by committing even more serious crimes such as murder. That is the case of a Chinese national who skipped murder charges in Australia after pleading guilty to manslaughter earlier this year over the death of two sex workers.
Suspected Killer Evades Murder Charges
The case in question involves Xiaozheng Lin, a 24-year-old Chinese national, who was accused of killing two sex workers within 24 hours. The young man was charged with the murder of Yuqi Luo, 31, and Hyun Sook Jeon, 51. The two sex workers were killed and robbed over the span of 24 hours with Lin being recognized as a prime suspect. Taking money and personal belongings from the two sex workers, the Chinese national reportedly tried to settle a gambling debt.
While initially, Lin was facing double murder charges, he was able to enter into a deal with Victorian prosecutors, local media outlets reported. This will enable the 24-year-old culprit to evade a murder sentence after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July.
There’s a stark contrast between the penalties applicable for manslaughter and murder. In the former case, each charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Usually, manslaughter convictions are served concurrently which means that even if Lin is found guilty on the two charges and receives the maximum applicable penalty, he will be out in 25 years.
In contrast, individuals found guilty of murder in Victoria face a minimum of 25 years in prison. The maximum penalty applicable for murder is life imprisonment.
The Two Sex Workers Were Killed in the Same Day
The killings of the two victims date back to December 27, 2022. At the time, Lin first visited Lou in her apartment in Melbourne. After having sex with the woman, the man allegedly attacked and strangled her. He then took personal belongings, including the victim’s phone and AU$7,000 in cash before leaving her lifeless naked body in the flat.
On the same day, Lin visited the second victim, 51-year-old Jeon. Similar to the first victim, the other sex worker was also found dead, possibly strangled, although a definitive cause of death was not identified, as announced by ABC News.
During a recent court hearing, barrister Paul Smallwood, defending Lin in the case, revealed that his client suffered from a gambling addiction. This addiction was developed while Lin was still in China when he was growing up. Smallwood revealed that while his client admitted shaking the second victim, he believed that she was alive when he left.
The sentencing of the 24-year-old Chinese national is expected soon.
