Updated: Changlin YANG & Xiao “Fred” Hui LI Charged – Ying ZHANG who was taken from her work in Markham was found deceased in the City of Kawartha

The 2024 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here

York Region Police said Ying ZHANG,57, was last seen on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 10:40 a.m. in the area of Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., members of the Search and Rescue Team located human remains while conducting a ground search for missing person, Ying ZHANG, in the area of Palestine Road and Fenel Road.

Investigators previously released images of the accused in this incident and of a suspect vehicle, a white Ford van, seen in the area of Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road at the time of Zhang’s disappearance, 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024. A suspect was also seen with a large, green wheeled bin.

Accused:

Changlin YANG, 26, of East Gwillimbury was charged on July 27, 2024. He was charged with Kidnapping, Forcible Confinement and Aggravated Assault. His charges were later upgraded to Second Degree Murder and Indignity to a Dead Body.

Update: On May 1, 2025, Xiao “Fred” Hui LI, 53, of East Gwillimbury, was charged with First Degree Murder in relation to ZHANG’s death. At the same time, charges against YANG were further upgraded to First Degree Murder. YANG has remained in custody since his arrest.

There are no outstanding suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or email at homicide@yrp.ca, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.