A Scarborough insurance employee is representing herself on a charge of first-degree murder for a crime incident in February 2012 involving the demise of her husband.

Xiu Jin Teng, 41, pleaded not guilty in the murder of her husband, 40-year-old Dong Huang.

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“I might be entitled to be (found) not guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree murder,” Teng said yesterday in court.

Teng allegedly strangled Huang with a ligature following a blow to his head. Huang may have also been injected with a sleeping drug. The Crown believes she was motivated by the potential life insurance payout she could cash in following Huang’s passing - the man had an insurance policy worth about $2 million, Toronto Sun reported.

Purportedly, Teng - an insurance employee- sold herself substantial life insurance policies, pocketed significant amounts of commission, and even paid steep premiums months before the crime.

Huang’s body was found in a cold storage room of the couple’s basement apartment by their landlord on February 29, 2012. His wrists and feet were bound, and his body had marks that indicated he battled for his life while he was being choked, court documents said.

Teng had purchased some Canadian Tire supplies two days before the crime, allegedly to help dispose the body. Statements also noted that she had rented another apartment under a false name.

Toronto Sun reported that Justice Ian MacDonnell will start his jury instructions today and complete them on Wednesday.


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