Northern China sentenced two teenagers to lengthy prison terms for murdering their classmate in a case sparking a national debate. Teen’s murder in Hebei led the court to believe Zhang and Li, both 13 years old at the time, guilty of intentionally killing Wang, a classmate.
Zhang received a life sentence, while Li was sentenced to 12 years in jail. The terrible crime occurred in March when the teens lured Wang to an abandoned greenhouse and attacked him with a shovel.
According to the court, Zhang instigated the plan, taking full responsibility for initiating and committing the fatal attack. Li, his accomplice, actively participated and assisted in burying Wang’s body after the murder.
A third suspect, Ma, who witnessed the crime but did not participate, received a non-criminal correctional sentence. Police apprehended all three teens shortly after the found Wang’s body in a shallow grave near the greenhouse.
Wang’s family revealed that he had endured prolonged bullying from his attackers before the tragic incident. Reports indicated Zhang and Li transferred money from Wang’s WeChat account following the murder, further showcasing their cruel intentions.
Teen’s murder in Hebei highlights the growing concerns over juvenile crime in China. In 2021, the country lowered the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 for exceptionally violent crimes, marking this case among the first to apply the new law.
Public reactions have been divided, with many citizens expressing grief over Wang’s death while questioning the adequacy of the sentences. Critics fear one of the perpetrators can be a danger to society upon his release.
With 67 million so-called “left-behind” children in China, experts urge further research to address this vulnerable demographic’s susceptibility to mental health and sentencing, emphasizing the ongoing complexities of juvenile justice reform.
