In an interview that examines the case of Sheng Zhu Zheng, we delve into a tragic incident that unfolded in Manhattan’s Chinatown several years ago. Zheng, who was convicted for stabbing his son during a domestic altercation, managed to evade justice for eight years until his recent capture.
On January 7, 2015, the then 42-year-old Zheng got into a heated argument with his wife over financial issues. Their 16-year-old son, Daming Zheng, intervened to protect his mother, which prompted Zheng to retaliate violently. He used a meat cleaver to inflict multiple stab wounds on Daming’s forehead, right ear, and arm, leaving the teenager hospitalized. Following the incident, Zheng was arrested by the NYPD and subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, during his bail period in March 2016, he failed to appear at his court hearing and became a fugitive.
Although details regarding his arrest on October 18th remain unclear, sources reveal that Zheng was apprehended in Brooklyn under charges related to “promoting gambling.” At the time of his original arrest, he was reported to be a green card holder still in possession of a Chinese passport. A judge had previously stated that if Zheng were to be captured again, he would be required to serve his sentence immediately.
During his court appearance on October 23rd, Zheng was seen wearing prison attire and handcuffs, his hair disheveled and beard unkempt. A Chinese translator was provided for the brief, five-minute hearing, during which Zheng remained silent. Judge Gregory Carro emphasized the necessity of enforcing Zheng’s sentence upon his arrest, listing charges that included aggravated assault with a weapon and three counts of endangerment involving a minor.
Originally from Fuzhou, China, Zheng had been working as a delivery person for a Chinese restaurant prior to the incident, while his wife, Yan Fang Guo, was employed at a hair salon. The couple and their three children lived in Chinatown’s Market Street area at the time. Prosecutors noted that Zheng had a history of domestic violence, often shouting at Guo and demanding money for gambling, which she refused out of concern for their family’s finances.
As tensions escalated, Daming attempted to defend his mother during the confrontation, but Zheng retaliated by attacking his son. Daming’s efforts to protect his mother did not leave any injuries on his father, as prosecutors pointed out—his intentions were solely defensive. Tragically, the younger siblings witnessed the violent episode unfold.
Once hospitalized, doctors discovered multiple lacerations on Daming’s forehead, right ear, and arm, with two deep wounds on his head requiring over ten stitches. Following Zheng’s recent arrest, there have been no new charges added to his criminal record.
