Foreign Woman Killed in Joy City Stabbing Was an American Citizen

One of the two victims of the fatal stabbings Wednesday at the Joy City Chaoyang shopping complex has been identified as an American citizen, the US Embassy confirmed Sunday afternoon to the Beijinger.

The embassy has offered its condolences to the victim's family, and they are rendering all necessary consular assistance, Nolan Barkhouse, press spokesman for the US Embassy, told the Beijinger by telephone.

Out of respect for the victim and her family, the embassy declined to release any further details.

The incident took place on Wednesday, July 17 at about 5:30pm. Joy City (Da Yue Cheng) complex is popular entertainment and shopping destination for east Fourth Ring Road residents. The Line 6 Qingnian Lu Station is also directly across the street from the mall.

The alleged perpetrator gave his surname as Xiao, indicated that he is from Yishui County in Shandong Province, and claimed that he is mentally ill.

Photo: thebeijinger.com