Arizona State University Professor Charged With Murder in Death of Wife

An Arizona State University business professor has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his wife.

At a Glance

David Zhu, a professor at ASU, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Susan Yijuan Yan, at their Scottsdale home.
The tragic incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday, August 17, with the couple’s teenage children present in the house.
Zhu has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently held on a $1 million cash bond.
Zhu is on administrative leave from ASU and barred from campus activities.

Professor Arrested After Fatal Shooting

An Arizona State University business professor, David Zhu, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his wife, Susan Yijuan Yan, in their Scottsdale home. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. on August 17, near 130th Street and Shea Boulevard.

Zhu’s two teenage children were inside the house during the alleged shooting. Yan, 46, was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Zhu claimed he was attempting to shoot the wall behind his wife.

Scottsdale Police Department has described the incident as isolated, with no other injuries reported. The couple’s children reported frequent domestic violence incidents and were not surprised by the shooting. They recalled hearing a “screaming fight” followed by two gunshots.

Zhu’s Immediate Consequences

Zhu has been held on a $1 million cash bond and charged with first-degree murder. He has been placed on administrative leave from ASU, where he has taught since 2009. Zhu is banned from campus and all school activities during the personnel process, in accordance with Arizona Board of Regents and local policies.

“This was an isolated incident that occurred inside the residence. No one else was injured from the shooting,” police stated.

Zhu himself called 911, claiming the shooting was accidental.

ASU’s Response and Student Reactions

The tragic event has left the Arizona State University community in shock. Zhu, a professor and dean’s council distinguished scholar in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, had been scheduled to teach nine courses in the upcoming fall semester. ASU extended its condolences to those impacted by the incident.

In the aftermath, students have expressed disbelief and concern. One student stated, “My jaw literally dropped,” while another commented, “I would have never expected that. That’s kind of scary.” These reactions underscore the impact such an event has on an academic community.

Ongoing Investigation

The Scottsdale Police Department has found multiple firearms and two spent shotgun shells at the scene. They reportedly believe Yan was shot twice in the back, although Zhu asserted that he “was trying to shoot the wall behind” his wife.

Currently, Zhu is held in Maricopa County jail on suspicion of homicide. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more information about the motive and circumstances leading to the tragic event. This case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and its potential to escalate into severe consequences.