One Year Ago Today: Stabbings at Joy City Chaoyang Leave Two Dead

One year ago today, a sad incident at Joy City Chaoyang left a Chinese citizen and an American woman dead, and, when followed by an explosion at Beijing Capital International Airport three days later, left the Beijing community nervous about safety and security.

The Beijinger followed up with a local Public Security officer, Officer Sun, who offered suggestions that included, "Try not to go to places that are too crowded. If you happen to be in a crowded place, pay attention to the environment, especially people's facial expressions. Try to go out in groups of at least two or more," and, if a violent incident or accident occurs, "Don't stand around and watch, get to safety first. If there is an incident such a robbery or a violent act, do not try to catch or fight with the perpetrator. Your personal safety must take first priority," Officer Sun said. Read more of those suggestions here.

Here is our original report from July 17, 2013:

A Chinese citizen and a foreign national were stabbed to death around 5pm Wednesday outside the Joy City Chaoyang shopping mall Qingnian Lu by a 27-year-old man identifying himself as mentally ill, China Daily and Beijing Cream reported. [Warning: Beijing Cream's report has graphic photos of the crime scene.]

The victims were not identified, nor was the nationality of the foreigner released, although the foreign national was identified as female. Joy City (Da Yue Cheng) complex is popular entertainment and shopping destination for east Fourth Ring Road residents. The Line 6 Qingnian Lu Station is also directly across the street from the mall.

The alleged perpetrator gave his surname as Xiao, indicated that he is from Yishui County in Shandong province, and claimed that he is mentally ill.

The incident occurs a year to the week after American Howard Thomas Mills was stabbed to death at Qianmen, on July 12, 2012, continuing a string of attacks directed at foreigners last summer. The early days of the 2008 Olympic Games were marred when Todd Bachman, father-in-law of the US men's volleyball coach, was stabbed to death at the Drum Tower on August 9, 2008. His wife, Barbara, survived the attack.

Photo: TripAdvisor