Chinese National Convicted of Attempted Murder Removed from United States
Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia have removed Yukai Yang, a Chinese national, from the United States. Yang was repatriated to China following his imprisonment for a serious poisoning attack on his college roommate.
Yang, a former chemistry student at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangering. The charges stemmed from a planned poisoning campaign in 2018 targeting his roommate, Juwan Royal. Authorities confirmed that Yang surreptitiously introduced thallium—a toxic heavy metal that is odorless and tasteless—into Royal’s food and water over several months. Thallium was historically used as a rat poison but has been banned for consumer use in the United States since the 1970s.
During legal proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence that Yang purchased the substance online and administered it while the two students shared a dorm room. The victim suffered severe physical symptoms, including vomiting, dizziness, and extreme pain, leading to a diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning.
While the prosecution characterized the crime as calculated, Yang’s defense team argued that their client was struggling with significant mental health issues and the stress of potential academic failure. During his sentencing hearing, Yang expressed remorse for his actions. He apologized directly to the victim and his family, stating that he could not “erase the pain” he had caused and acknowledged the shame he brought upon his own family.
Following the completion of his criminal proceedings and incarceration, Yang was transferred to ICE custody. Federal authorities identified him as a criminal illegal alien due to his felony convictions, which invalidated his student visa status. ERO Philadelphia finalized his removal, ensuring his return to China in accordance with federal immigration law.
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