According to China Underground, Xinhai’s murder massacre came to an end in November 2003. Police found him acting suspicious while they were inspecting entertainment venues and took him in for questioning (via Lessons from History). It’s then that Xinhai quickly confessed to several murders and rapes across different Chinese provinces. Per Grave Reviews, his DNA, which was found at numerous crime scenes, later proved his guilt. Ranker reports that at the peak of his spree, Xinhai was killing twp to three times a week.

All told, it’s believed he murdered 67 people and raped 23 others (via Murderpedia). It’s also thought that these numbers could be higher. Xinhai’s motive, however, is unclear. He later stated that he had “no desire to be in society” and that “society is not my concern” (per Talk Murder). Due to the overwhelming evidence, Xinhai’s trial was quick, and he was subsequently sentenced to death. He refused an appeal, and on February 14, 2004, Xinhai was executed by firing squad at the age of 38. Besides being called the “Monster Killer,” he is also referred to as “The Monster of Henan.”