The Shocking Murder of This 5-Year-Old in Their Family Restaurant
From Immigrant Dreams to a Nightmare
On January 9th, 2017, in North Canton, Ohio, a mother, Ming Ming Chen, committed a tragic crime against her 5-year-old daughter, Ashley Zhao. The incident, a result of Chen’s uncontrolled anger and “lack of maternal bond,” unfolded in the family’s restaurant.
This is the story of a devastating family secret hidden within the walls of a small business.
Ashley Zhao and Ming Ming Chen
Ashley Zhao, the victim, was a young child who had only recently returned to the United States from China, where she was raised by her grandmother.
The killer, Ming Ming Chen, was Ashley’s biological mother.
Chen’s “inability to bond” with Ashley, compounded by the stresses of running a small business and caring for two children, culminated in a moment of uncontrolled rage with tragic consequences.
Liang Zhao, Ashley’s father, while not directly involved in the murder, played a crucial role in the aftermath, helping to conceal the crime and mislead the authorities.
