ASU professor accused of shooting his wife, Scottsdale police say

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona. – A man identified as ASU Professor shot his wife in Scottsdale on Saturday evening, police said.

The shooting occurred on August 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 said. police said.

The suspect, David Zhu, was arrested and charged with premeditated murder. His wife is 46-year-old Susan Yijuan Yan.

The department explains that this is an isolated case and that there is no danger to the public.

Shooting linked to alleged domestic violence

According to court documents, the couple's 19-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son were in the home at the time of the shooting.

Investigators believe the victim was shot with a shotgun and that Zhu allegedly said at the scene that he was “trying to shoot the wall behind her.”

A shotgun and shotgun shells were found in the house. Zhu's children reportedly told police that their parents had been involved in domestic violence “frequently” and that they were involved in a “screaming argument” at the time of the shooting.

“None of the children expressed surprise that David had shot their mother,” court documents say.

Zhu was jailed on $1 million bail.

Suspect identified as ASU professor

Zhu is listed as a professor in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at ASU’s WP Carey School of Business on ASUs Website.

The university issued a brief statement on August 18, saying, “Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”

The university confirmed that he is still employed. He has been working at the university since 2009.

On August 19, she issued a more detailed statement, saying, “Zhu will be placed on leave and will not be permitted to come to campus or participate in ASU activities while the university proceeds with personnel proceedings in accordance with applicable guidelines from the Arizona Board of Regents and local authorities.”

“My jaw literally dropped,” one student said on August 19 after hearing the news.

“This is…this is shocking,” said another student.

Business students can hardly believe the professor’s accusation.

“I never expected this. It's kind of scary,” said one student.

If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, you can get help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Live online chat is also available.

Map of the area where the shooting took place: