Bai Baoshan

Status

Bai Baoshan was executed by shot in the head on May 6, 1998.

Timeline

• October 16, 1997 — Police in Beijing arrested Bai Baoshan; he was suspected of killing 14 people.
• March 1996 — Bai attacked a police sentry in Beijing, stealing a semi-automatic gun and using it to kill one person and injure six, including four patrol officers.
• May 6, 1998 — Bai Baoshan was executed in the north-western region of Xinjiang.

Background

Bai Baoshan, 39, was described as China's most prolific serial killer to date and as the country's “Public Enemy No.1.” He was believed to have begun his killing spree after serving 13 years in prison for murder and robbery. Bai’s alleged crimes were described as having been committed in places from Beijing to the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Bai’s alleged first murder was described as having occurred in the early 1980s during a poorly planned holdup. He was convicted of murder and robbery in that case, served 13 years in prison, and emerged with “a brooding desire for revenge against society at large.”

Investigation and alleged offences

The killings were described as a rampage that began in March 1996.

Beijing police sentry attack (March 1996)

In March 1996, Bai attacked a police sentry in Beijing. He stole a semi-automatic gun and used it to kill one person and injure six others, including four patrol officers.

Robbery and killing of a cigarette vendor

Authorities suspected Bai of killing a cigarette vendor in Beijing later that year in a robbery.

Attack in Hebei

Bai then travelled to the northern province of Hebei. There, he attacked another police sentry, killing one person and making off with an automatic rifle.

Travel to Urumqi and killings with accomplices

Bai then fled to the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi. There, Bai and two accomplices killed 10 police officers, security guards and civilians, and stole 1.5 million yuan ($180,000). Bai later killed one of his partners due to the prospect of sharing the loot, and made off with the booty.

Arrest and charges

Returning to Beijing in October 1997, the 39-year-old gunman was traced by police and arrested on October 16, 1997. He was charged with 14 homicides and various related felonies.

A local newspaper reported his confession, and he was returned to Xinjiang province for trial, where most of his victims were slain.

Trial and sentencing

Bai Baoshan was convicted on all counts and sentenced to death.

Outcome

Bai Baoshan was executed on May 6, 1998 in the north-western region of Xinjiang.

Other details

Bai was described as having 15 known victims in descriptions of his case, and was also described as having 14 homicides in his charging after his arrest on October 16, 1997.