ASU professor accused of shooting and killing his wife, Scottsdale Police say
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A man who is identified as an ASU professor shot and killed his wife in Scottsdale on Saturday night, the police department said.
The shooting happened on Aug. 17 near 130th Street and Shea Boulevard around 6:30 p.m.
"Police responded to a home with reports of a shooting that had just occurred. Upon arrival, a female was found with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries," Scottsdale Police said.
The suspect, David Zhu, was arrested and is accused of first-degree murder. The wife is Susan Yijuan Yan, 46.
The department says this was an isolated incident and there's no threat to the community.
Shooting stemmed from alleged domestic violence incidents
According to court documents, the couple's 19-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Investigators say the victim had been shot with a shotgun and Zhu allegedly said at the scene that he "was trying to shoot the wall behind her."
A shotgun and shotgun shells were found inside the home. Zhu's children allegedly told police their parents had been involved in "frequent" domestic violence incidents, and they were involved in a "screaming fight" at the time of the shooting.
"Neither child expressed any surprise that David had shot and killed their mother," court documents read.
Zhu was booked into jail on a $1 million cash bond.
Suspect identified as ASU professor
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox10phoenix.com/www.fox10phoenix.com/content/uploads/2024/08/932/524/DAVID-ZHU-MUG.png?ve=1&tl=1)
David Zhu
Zhu is listed as a professor in ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business Department of Management and Entrepreneurship on ASU's website.
The university gave a brief statement on Aug. 18 saying "Our condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy."
The university confirmed he is still employed. He's been with the university since 2009.
On Aug. 19, it released a more detailed statement saying, "Zhu is being placed on administrative leave and barred from coming to campus or participating in any ASU activities, while the university proceeds with the personnel process, according to applicable Arizona Board of Regents and local policies."
"My jaw literally dropped," a student said on Aug. 19 after learning of the news.
"That’s … that’s shocking," another student said.
Business students can hardly believe what the professor is accused of.
"I would have never expected that. That’s kind of scary," a student said.
If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. A live online chat is also available.