David Zhu, an ASU professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, and Dean's Council Distinguished Scholar, was taken into custody for allegedly shooting and killing his wife on Aug. 17.
According to the Scottsdale PD police report, Zhu has worked with ASU for 10 years. Most recently he taught graduate-level summer courses and led research for the W. P. Carey School of Business.
"While this is still an ongoing investigation, there is no threat to the surrounding community, as this is an isolated incident," Sgt. Allison Sempsis, a Scottsdale Police Department spokesperson, said in an emailed statement.
The couple's 19-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son said a "screaming fight" occurred in the residence beforehand, according to the police report. Zhu told police he tried to shoot the wall behind his wife in an unprovoked statement, according to the report.
Both children were cooperative with law enforcement and provided statements regarding the domestic violence history between their parents. The report also stated that "neither child expressed any surprise that David had shot and killed their mother."
According to the police report, Zhu's son rushed out of the house to tell a neighbor to call 911 after shots were fired. Police reports show that Zhu also contacted the police following the gunshots and tried describing what happened to the 911 operator. During the conversation, the operator introduced the word "accidental" and Zhu agreed, according to the report.
Police were first alerted of gunshots near North 128th Way around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, police found broken glass, a clear liquid and two spent shotgun shells on the floor, as well as what appeared to be a shotgun blast in a wall and a gunshot through a wall, according to the police report.
A "shotgun," "long gun/rifle" and "handgun" were all found within the residence, according to the police report.
The report stated that police located the victim upon arrival and after attempting life saving measures, she was transported to the HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. She was later pronounced dead in the trauma center.
There was no comment from the University regarding Zhu's tenure or current employment status.
"Our condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy," a University spokesperson said.
Edited by River Graziano, Sophia Braccio and Alysa Horton.
Reach the reporters at sjames51@asu.edu and gheadle@asu.edu and follow @sennajames_ and @George_Headley7 on X.
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Senna is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in Spanish. This is her third semester with The State Press.
George is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is his third semester with The State Press. He has also worked at Times Media Group.
