ASU professor arrested in connection with his wife's death

David Zhu, ASU professor of management and entrepreneurship and distinguished scholar of the Dean's Council, was taken into custody for allegedly shooting his wife on August 17.

According to the Scottsdale Police Department police report, Zhu has worked for ASU for 10 years, most recently teaching graduate-level summer courses and conducting research for the WP Carey School of Business.

“While the investigation is ongoing, there is no threat to the surrounding community as this is an isolated incident,” Scottsdale Police spokeswoman Sergeant Allison Sempsis said in an emailed statement.

The couple's 19-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son said there had been a “screaming argument” in the apartment earlier, according to the police report. Zhu told police he tried to shoot at the wall behind his wife for no reason, according to the report.

Both children cooperated with law enforcement and gave statements about domestic violence between their parents. The report also states that “neither child was surprised that David had shot their mother.”

According to the police report, Zhu's son rushed out of the house to tell a neighbor to call 911 after shots were fired. Police reports show that Zhu also contacted police after the shooting and tried to describe what happened to the 911 operator. During the conversation, the operator mentioned the word “accidental,” and Zhu agreed, according to the report.

Police were first notified of the shooting near North 128th Way around 6:30 p.m. When they arrived, police found broken glass, a clear liquid and two empty shotgun shells on the ground. They also found what appeared to be a shotgun blast in a wall and a gunshot through a wall, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a “shotgun,” a “long rifle,” and a “pistol” were found in the apartment.

The report states that police found the victim upon arrival and, after performing life-saving measures, transported her to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. She was later pronounced dead at the trauma center.

The university had no comment on Zhu's tenure or current employment status.

“Our condolences go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” a university spokesman said.

Edited by River Graziano, Sophia Braccio, and Alysa Horton.

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