Details are sparse in the case of Chinese serial murderer Yang Zinhai. Released in 2001 from a prison labor camp where he had served time for rape and theft Xinhai, 38, embarked on a killing spree unseen before in China. Before he was through 67 people in four provinces were dead and 23 women had been raped.

Authorities arrested Xinhai on November 3, 2003, because he closely resembled a composite sketch of a killer they were pursuing. In custody he confessed to the killings and rapes. He exhibited signs of possible mental illness, often rambling incoherently and shouting out in the middle of conversations. The prolific slayer claimed his crime spree was motivated by a girlfriend breaking up with him and a general hatred of society.

In addition to his confessions DNA linked Xinhai to many of the rapes and murders. He was sentenced to death on February 1, 2004. Later that month China's most prolific serial murderer was executed by a gunshot to the head.