True Crime with Kendall Rae: Episode Summary

Title: Ivy League Genius Kevin Jiang Murdered by Fiancé’s Stalker Who Tried To Flee?!
Host: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction to the Case

In this heartbreaking episode, Kendall Rae delves into the tragic and perplexing case of Kevin Zhang, an Ivy League student who was brutally murdered by his fiancé’s stalker. Kendall expresses deep empathy for Kevin, highlighting his vibrant life and the senselessness of his untimely death.
Kendall Rae [00:00]: "This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae is brought to you by Progressive Insurance..." (Note: Advertisement content is omitted from the summary.)

Kevin Zhang's Background

Kevin Zhang, born on Valentine's Day in 1994, was an exemplary individual characterized by his intelligence, kindness, and dedication. Raised by his single mother, Linda Chen, in the Chicago area, Kevin's strong religious faith played a significant role in shaping his life and relationships. His youth pastor described him as someone who blossomed through his faith, becoming a role model for many. Kevin pursued environmental studies with passion, earning a degree in biology from the University of Washington and later a master's in environmental sciences from Yale.
Kendall Rae [02:30]: "Kevin was really someone that a lot of people looked up to... He was incredibly smart, driven, and selfless."

The Relationship with Zion Perry

In early 2020, Kevin met Zion Perry, an MIT student pursuing a PhD in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. Their shared values, particularly their faith and love for the outdoors, forged a deep connection. Their relationship quickly blossomed, culminating in an engagement on January 30, 2021, during a hiking trip.
Kendall Rae [15:20]: "Their story is really sweet... It seemed like they were meant to be together."
Zion Perry [43:54]: "To my beloved Zion... You are my angel from above."

The Shooting Incident

On February 6, 2021, merely a week after their engagement, Kevin was tragically shot and killed in New Haven, Connecticut. The incident occurred shortly after a minor car accident where Kevin's Prius was rear-ended by a dark-colored SUV. Initially suspected to be a road rage incident, security camera footage revealed that the situation was far more personal and premeditated.
Kendall Rae [25:10]: "It was no road rage incident. This was personal."

Investigation and Discovery

Detectives linked the shooting to a series of random shootings in New Haven, all involving the same .45 caliber shell casings and the same type of SUV. Despite multiple incidents, Kevin was the only victim killed. The investigation took a pivotal turn when a dark-colored SUV was found at a local scrap metal yard, driven by Sheen Schwan Pon, a 29-year-old MIT graduate student.
Kendall Rae [35:45]: "Pon was genius level smart... but his plan didn't play out as he thought."

Identification of the Suspect: Sheen Schwan Pon

Pon became a person of interest when his stolen vehicle matched the description of the SUV involved in the shootings. Further investigation revealed his suspicious behavior, including recovering a blue bag with a gun and ammunition. Despite his clean driver's license, irregularities such as a stolen license plate and inconsistent alibis made him a prime suspect.
Kendall Rae [39:20]: "A warrant was out for his arrest for possessing a stolen vehicle, which linked him to the murders."

The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After a nationwide manhunt, aided by the U.S. Marshals, Pon was apprehended in May 2021 at a boarding house near Alabama State University. Evidence such as traces of Kevin’s blood on the car's gear shifter and Pon’s DNA on recovered ammunition solidified his connection to the murder. Pon initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty, resulting in a 35-year prison sentence.
Kendall Rae [52:30]: "Despite the evidence, Pon initially pleaded not guilty but eventually accepted a plea deal."

The Aftermath and Funeral

Kevin’s funeral was a poignant event, featuring a candlelight vigil attended by over 700 people. Both his parents and fiancé Zion shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing Kevin’s positive impact and the profound loss felt by all who knew him.
Kevin Zhang [41:16]: "Kevin was my beloved only child... Although Kevin is gone from us now, Kevin is the most wonderful gift God has ever given me on earth."
Zion Perry [43:54]: "I will always love him with the love of Christian Kai Wen."

Final Reflections and Conclusion

Kendall Rae reflects on the senselessness of Kevin’s murder and the minimal sentence Pon received, expressing frustration and sadness over the loss of Kevin's promising life. She underscores the importance of justice, despite its imperfections, and honors Kevin's memory by highlighting his forgiving nature and the deep void his death has created.
Kendall Rae [60:10]: "Justice will never bring Kevin home, but at least there's some accountability. 35 years is not enough."

Notable Quotes

• Kendall Rae [00:00]: "This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae is brought to you by Progressive Insurance..."
• Kendall Rae [02:30]: "Kevin was really someone that a lot of people looked up to... He was incredibly smart, driven, and selfless."
• Kendall Rae [15:20]: "Their story is really sweet... It seemed like they were meant to be together."
• Zion Perry [43:54]: "To my beloved Zion... You are my angel from above."
• Kendall Rae [25:10]: "It was no road rage incident. This was personal."
• Kendall Rae [35:45]: "Pon was genius level smart... but his plan didn't play out as he thought."
• Kevin Zhang [41:16]: "Kevin was my beloved only child... Although Kevin is gone from us now, Kevin is the most wonderful gift God has ever given me on earth."
• Zion Perry [43:54]: "I will always love him with the love of Christian Kai Wen."
• Kendall Rae [52:30]: "Despite the evidence, Pon initially pleaded not guilty but eventually accepted a plea deal."
• Kendall Rae [60:10]: "Justice will never bring Kevin home, but at least there's some accountability. 35 years is not enough."

Closing Thoughts

Kendall Rae poignantly captures the essence of Kevin Zhang’s life and the inexplicable cruelty of his murder. This episode serves as a tribute to Kevin’s memory and a reminder of the fragility of life, leaving listeners both moved and contemplative about the pursuit of justice in the face of such profound loss.