Fredericksburg.com - Zhang family: 'We hope for the death penalty'

search local
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook

Get a printer-friendly version of this page. E-mail this story to a friend.
Make a post about this story on FredTalk.

Zhang family: 'We hope for the death penalty'
The family-owned China Express reopened today for the first time since the death of 24-year-old Yong Hui Zhang, the youngest of three Zhang children.
Date published: 7/16/2008

BY ELLEN BILTZ

The family-owned China Express reopened today 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 today 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 girl friend, 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 Common wealth’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 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 mean time, she said, they are considering the future of their restaurant, which the family acquired 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 today. “This is just very hard.”

Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424

ebiltz@freelancestar.com



Read more stories about Fredericksburg
Date published: 7/16/2008



Most recent reader comments:

Viewing all 4 comments. (Sorted in reverse order, with most recent post at the top.)

Display comments on this page. | Sort:

PLEASE READ: These reader comments are not moderated. Each user is solely responsible for any message (s)he posts here. The Free Lance-Star does not endorse the views expressed within these comments. All users who post to this Web site must agree to the terms of the FredTalk User Agreement. We rely on our readers to police themselves, and report any content that violates our User Agreement. In accordance with our User Agreement, we reserve the right to remove any post at any time for any reason, and will restrict access of registered users who repeatedly violate our terms. Any reader can report inappropriate content by clicking the "Report this post to admins" link at the bottom of each comment. You need not be registered to report a post.

Depressing to read that the Zhang family is conisdering moving from Fredericksburg (posted by Einstein , July 17, 2008 12:03 am)    0 likes
Completely understandable yet sad. I read in a recent article that they chose to come here because it was safer than bigger cities. Working hard bothering no one and they still get devastated by two worthless animals looking for a couple of bucks.

I just ate dinner at thier restaurant (posted by SkiBumMSP , July 16, 2008 9:01 pm)    0 likes
I stopped by after work. It was kinda depressing going in there. The mood was very somber. However, I've got to chat a tiny bit with Jin Dan who was my server. Really nice people, and my heart really aches for them. However, I really wanted to show my support and let them know. This place is their bread and butter and we, as a community really need to support it. Come to China Express if you can and let it become a living legacy to Yong Hui Zhang. Plus, I found the food to be quite good :)

Make's me glad we're in Virginia (posted by dicerotops , July 16, 2008 8:03 pm)    0 likes
Viginia is only second to Texas when it comes to the death penalty. I may be liberal, but I have always supported, and always will support the death penalty. If They planned this ambush and executed this fine young man. They choose his fate, and now, VA will choose theirs. But you just know that there is going to be some bleeding heart holding a vigil the night they day. Shame on them! Where were they the night Yong died in fear and alone? Let the killers die alone too. Let us all turn our backs to them.

It will be for a higher spiritual being than me (posted by GOUSA , July 16, 2008 6:46 pm)    0 likes
to accept mercy for these 2 low-lifes. I agree with the family about the death penalty even though it is against the teachings of my religion.

What do you think?
Enter your FredTalk username and password to post a comment on this story. If you are registered on FredTalk or another part of this site, use that login here. Otherwise, you can just REGISTER here... .

Posting guidelines

1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
2. Please avoid offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or defamatory language.
3. Agree to read & follow THE RULES.
4. Use the "report to admins" link for posts which violate the rules. 5. Keep it on-topic. Posts which contribute nothing of value to the conversation will be deleted.

Username:
Password:

Post title:


Please keep it brief (Limit is 512 characters). Please note, attempts to circumvent this limit by making
multiple posts back-to-back (ex: 'continued', 'part1, 2', etc) will be deleted.

Please make sure CAPS LOCK is off. Posts in ALL CAPS will be deleted.)


By checking this box, you agree to the terms of the FredTalk User agreement.








The Free Lance-Star fredericksburg.com 93.3 WFLS Print Innovators 96.9 The Rock 99.3 The Vibe wntx radio