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Episode 16 of season 38 of 48 Hours delves into the case of Kevin Jiang's murder. He was a 26-year-old Yale graduate student, who was fatally shot on February 6, 2021, in New Haven, Connecticut. The episode is available for streaming on CBS and Paramount+.
A former MIT researcher named Qinxuan Pan, who was connected with Jiang's fiancée, Zion Perry, was a suspect. After a three-month search, Pan was caught and later pleaded guilty to the murder. He received a prison sentence of 35 years. This episode explores the events before the death of Jiang, leading up to those of Pan's arrest.
Through interviews and investigative reporting, 48 Hours uncovers the complex relationships, the timeline of events, and the pursuit of justice in this case.
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5 Key details related to Kevin Jiang's murder case
1) Who was Kevin Jiang?
Kevin Jiang was born in Seattle, Washington, on February 14, 1994. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington. Subsequently, he pursued a master's degree in environmental science at Yale, while serving in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard.
2) How did Kevin die?
As reported by CBS News, Kevin Jiang, aged 26, was shot multiple times on February 6, 2021, in New Haven, Connecticut. This happened after he reportedly departed from Zion Perry's apartment. A few eyewitnesses in the vicinity heard gunshots.
Jiang’s death shocked the Yale community and drew attention due to its unexpected nature. The case escalated into a major investigation.
3) Suspect Qinxuan Pan's connection to the victim
As reported by Yale Daily News, Qinxuan Pan, a former MIT researcher, was identified as the suspect in Jiang’s murder. Pan had a connection to Zion Perry, Jiang’s fiancée. They had known each other from their time at MIT. Perry stated that Pan had shown interest in her, but their relationship remained platonic. This connection raised questions about Pan’s motive, although no specific reason for the murder was officially confirmed.
4) The nationwide manhunt for Qinxuan
As reported by WVTM13, after Jiang’s murder, Pan fled the scene leading to a three-month nationwide manhunt. Authorities tracked him to Alabama where he was found living under a false identity. Pan was arrested with $19,000 in cash, multiple cell phones, and his father’s passport.
5) Legal proceedings and sentencing
As reported by Yale Daily News, Qinxuan Pan was charged with murder and pleaded guilty on February 29, 2024. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison. The surveillance footage, forensic findings, and actions by Pan after the murder were used as evidence. The legal outcome brought closure to Jiang’s family, although the motive behind the crime remains unclear.
Who was Zion Perry, and what was her connection with Qinxuan?
As reported by Yale Daily News, Zion Perry is a Yale graduate student who was engaged to Kevin Jiang, a fellow student murdered on February 6, 2021. Before attending Yale, Perry completed her undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she met Qinxuan Pan, a former MIT researcher later convicted of Jiang's murder.
Perry and Pan were acquaintances during their time at MIT. She described their relationship as friendly but not romantic. She noted that Pan seemed interested in her, though she did not reciprocate. After Jiang's death, Perry cooperated with the police and informed them about her acquaintance with Pan. She revealed that Pan had called her several times in the weeks preceding the incident, but she did not feel threatened by these calls.
Perry's statements led to the connection between Pan and Jiang, which eventually led to Pan's arrest and conviction. Throughout the investigation and trial, Perry maintained that she and Pan were never romantically involved, emphasizing that their association was limited to their shared time at MIT.
Watch 48 Hours available on CBS and Paramount+.
