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ZHANG'S FAMILY SEEKS EXECUTION
Restaurant reopens following Zhang's death
BY ELLEN BILTZ
Date published: 7/17/2008
BY ELLEN BILTZ
The family-owned China Express reopened yesterday for the first time since the death of 24-year-old Yong Hui Zhang, the youngest of three Zhang children.
Zhang was abducted and stabbed to death nearly two weeks ago, and his sister, Joyce Zhang, said at the restaurant yesterday that her family is coping as best it can.
Two people have been charged in Fredericksburg with counts related to the abduction of Zhang, but no homicide-related charges have been placed because it hasn't been determined exactly where the victim died.
"We hope they get charged with murder," she said. "And we hope for the death penalty."
Jermaine Lamonte Montgomery, 34, and his girlfriend, Marcey Odessa White, 36, are being held in jail on abduction, carjacking, credit card theft and conspiracy in Zhang's July 3 disappearance.
But neither of them have been charged with his murder.
Fredericksburg Commonwealth's Attorney Charles Sharp said earlier this week that the couple will not be tried for murder in Fredericksburg because it was not identified as the site of the killing.
Zhang's body was found July 6 in Sussex County and his car was discovered nearby.
Authorities have not said whether murder charges could be expected in Sussex or whether the slaying may have happened in another locale.
Joyce Zhang said her family is overwhelmed with grief and they are hoping to hear of charges soon.
In the meantime, she said, they are considering the future of their restaurant, which the family acquired on U.S. 1 near the city's bus station in 2004.
"I love my customers. They are so sweet," she said. "But it's just so sad."
She said the family is wondering whether they want to keep the restaurant open and may sell it if someone is interested.
They would also consider moving from the area, she said.
There is a memorial fund set up to assist the family with costs of the funeral, which was held Tuesday, and related costs from the death.
Donations can be made in the name "Zhang Memorial Fund" at any Wachovia branch or the Fredericksburg Police Department.
"We appreciate all of the support and our loyal customers," Joyce Zhang said yesterday. "This is just very hard."
Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424
Email: ebiltz@freelancestar.com
Read more stories about Fredericksburg
Date published: 7/17/2008
Most recent reader comments:
And who is the one to decide where the murder took place?
(posted by
domsmom
, July 17, 2008 12:50 pm)
Or is someone just afraid of the odds of getting an impartial jury?If that's the case,believe me when I say that an impartial jury will be a little difficult to find even in the Southhampton county area.They are obviously not admitting to anything.There's enough evidence to get them life in prison plus some years.Let's just get this over with:sentence them to life & let the other lifers take care of them.Stop wasting time & money on obvious criminals.I'd hate to be the defense atty for either of them.
Have patience Peaches
(posted by
dicerotops
, July 17, 2008 11:28 am)
I am positive that the authorities want to make sure that they bring the murder charges in the right jurisdiction. To do otherwise would delay and add costs to the Commonwealth (as well as confusion). Better for just one commonwealth atty have the case and know it than have the case change hands. They are going to charge them in either Sussex county where the body was found or in a different jurisdiction, depending on if they find evidence the murder was there. Either way, they'll be charged, don't worry.
peaches mom....
(posted by
soccerfan
, July 17, 2008 11:22 am)
unfortunately, with our legal system, if everything is not done completely by the book, these animals can get off on a technicality. They will be charged in time, I'm sure the prosecuters are taking every precaution to do this right.
So Senseless
(posted by
Karebear1
, July 17, 2008 9:44 am)
My heart goes out to the family in their time of mourning. This act was so senseless. Why take the life of a young man?
Not charged with murder?
(posted by
peachesmom
, July 17, 2008 9:32 am)
That is unbelieveable someone better get up off of their butts and bring the murder charges or we will be sending out a message kill someone take them somewhere else and no one will know if they can charge you. The felony kidnapping,carjacking happened in Fredericksburg. They found the victims shoe and some of his blood at the scene that would tell me that harm was done to him there get them charged already.
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