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New details emerge in the Auburn couple’s tragic murder
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New details emerge in the Auburn couple’s tragic murder

AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) – The trial continues for the man charged with capital murder in the 2020 slayings of an Auburn husband and wife — a family the suspect once lived with.

The trial began on Monday.

“He has no problem with his view of reality. He’s still lining up, he did the right thing,” said Dr. Stephen Zieman.

October 22, 2020, marked the last day the Auburn couple was seen together with their children. Zhuobin Wang, 21, a student at Auburn University, allegedly entered their home and stabbed Dr. Lijun Xuan, 40, and his wife of 10 years, ZhengZheng Wu, dozens of times. times, all in front of him. their young children.

During Thursday’s court proceedings, Dr. Stephen Zieman, a neuropsychiatrist who examined Wang, testified.

“Early on, there were observations that there was something wrong with him and inconsistent with the general population,” said Dr. Zieman.

He was questioned by both the state and the defense about his visits with Wang and what might have motivated him to kill Mr. Xuan and Ms. Wu. Dr. Zieman explained that conflicts arose between Wang and the couple while he was living with them as a student. He noted that Wang described the couple as evil.

“He said he did not believe his charges should be consistent with murder. He reported that he was on the side of justice, acting only in self-defense or the protection of others. Again, this idea of ​​being above other people because it’s aligned with the side of good. He believed his owners were on the side of evil,” Zieman said.

Auburn law enforcement officers reported finding two bloody knives in a trash can outside the home on Monroe Drive. The state is not seeking the death penalty in this case, but rather life in prison without the possibility of parole. The defense is seeking a plea of ​​not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

On the day of the murder, Wang allegedly left a letter on his computer explaining that he was acting for “good”. He also expressed concern that the couple’s children were being left behind, stating: “Your parents made me do this. I feel bad for them kids, but they didn’t give me a choice.” Closing statements are expected to begin on Friday.