A man who murdered his female classmate at China Communication University after attempting to rape her has been sentenced to death for intentional homicide, said the Third Intermediate People's Court of Beijing on Friday morning.

The 24-year-old man, named Li Sida, invited his fellow student, 22-year-old Zhou Yunlu, to his rental apartment in the Chaoyang district on the afternoon of August 9 last year, saying he wanted her to participate in an amateur film. 

Li then attempted to rape Zhou, but failed. Finally, he brutally stabbed her to death in his apartment. 

Zhou was a postgraduate student of China Communication University, who majored in performing arts.

The case received extensive attention due to Li's use of very cruel means to kill Zhou.

The court found that the facts of Li's murder were clear and as a result, he was sentenced to death.

Li has decided to appeal the verdict.

(With input from CRI and Xinhua)