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Robber-Killer executed in Beijing

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-27 21:54

BEIJING - The leader of a three-member gang was executed for robbery in Beijing Friday.

The death sentence for Li Jiangtao, 27, a native of Siping County, central China's Henan Province, was approved by the Supreme People's Court, said Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court Friday.

Li, a migrant worker in Beijing, befriended two other men, Zhang Lei and Hu Zhiqiang several years back. They often discussed getting money and decided on robbery, the court said.

Zhang, whose father runs a gallery in downtown Beijing, mentioned Cai Yun, a painter of traditional Chinese realistic art, as being a possible victim. The three planned to burglarize Cai's residence in the Xuanwu District, downtown Beijing.

Beforehand, on August 12, 2006, the men stole an unlicensed cab and strangled the driver, leaving his body in a well.

The next day they went to 63-year-old Cai's house asking to buy paintings. When he let them inside, the men strangled Cai and stole goods worth 6,000 yuan (about US$882).

For the crimes, the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court sentenced Li to death on December 11, 2007.

Zhang and Hu were also convicted of robbery, but were given lighter sentences. Zhang was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve. Hu was given life in prison, plus deprivation of his political rights and confiscation of his personal property.

Zhang expressed remorse for the crimes. He was also cooperative with police in helping to catch his complice. His family members also compensated relatives of the dead victims.

Hu was below the age of 18 when he committed the crimes. He also confessed repented, said the court.

Li appealed his case to the Beijing Higher People's Court which upheld the ruling handed down by the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court.