Yunnan villager stands trial for killing 19

A man stood trial Wednesday for murdering 19 people including his parents.

According to the court, when a request for money was rejected by his father Yang Qingpei on Sept. 28 returned to Yema Village in Yunnan Province, southwest China, and killed his parents.

Fearing his crime would be discovered, Yang killed 17 of his neighbors, including three children. He then fled to the provincial capital of Kunming, and returned to work, according to an earlier statement issued by Yunnan public security department.

Yang pleaded guilty of all the charges, expressed remorse and apologized to the relatives of the deceased. There were nearly 200 court spectators including relatives, lawmakers, press and members of the public.

The court has adjourned for sentencing.

Editor: Eric Wang