Mass murderer and rapist is sentenced to death

The mainland's 'monster killer' was sentenced to death yesterday for murdering 65 people and raping 23 women.

Yang Xinhai, 36, was convicted in Luohe Intermediate People's Court of murder, rape, intentional assault and theft after a 10-hour trial.

Yang had accepted the verdict and would not appeal, Xinhua said.

A farmer from Zhumadian in Henan province, Yang killed his victims with hammers, shovels and axes in Anhui, Henan, Hebei and Shandong provinces between 2000 and last year.

The public and the media were barred from yesterday's trial to protect the privacy of the rape victims.

The China News Service said Yang yesterday appeared 'at ease' and had admitted to committing the crimes.