A law school student went on trial in Beijing yesterday accused of killing a professor last October by cutting his neck with a kitchen knife.

The No.1 Intermediate People's Court is hearing the case.

The indictment said Fu Chengli rushed into a classroom at the China University of Political Science and Law about 6:40pm on October 28 and slashed Cheng Chunming with a kitchen knife.

Cheng, 43, died about 15 minutes later. His wife was three months pregnant at that time.

Fu called police after he stepped out from the classroom and surrendered.

Fu said it was in retaliation as Cheng had had sex with his ex-girlfriend.

Fu, 22, said he never regretted his crime.

Cheng, who studied in France for nearly a decade for a doctorate, served the university as a professor after returning home.

A psychological test earlier suggested Fu was normal.

The case received nationwide coverage.

Fu probably faces a suspended death sentence, the Southern Weekend newspaper quoted a source as saying.

A death sentence with a two-year reprieve means Fu may have his death penalty commuted to life imprisonment if he behaves properly during the period.

Prosecutors said Fu was not qualified for leniency.

Some people, including some of Fu's classmates, believe he deserves the maximum penalty.

(Shanghai Daily July 7, 2009)