A Chinese court has sentenced two teenagers to prison over the killing of their classmate in Hebei province earlier this year.
The teens, identified only as Zhang and Li, were 13 years old when they plotted to kill their classmate, Wang, in March and split the money they stole from him.
The court described their actions as “especially cruel and circumstances especially vile.” Zhang received a life sentence, while Li was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The case sparked widespread outrage when it was first reported. According to Wang’s family and lawyer, he had long been bullied at school by three classmates, with conflicts specifically involving Zhang and Li.
A third teen, Ma, who was also present during the attack, was not criminally punished, as he did not participate in the crime.
On 3 March, Zhang lured Wang to an abandoned vegetable greenhouse on a scooter, while Li and Ma followed on separate scooters.
During the trip, Li revealed the plan to Ma, who later left the scene upon witnessing the assault. Once at the greenhouse, Zhang attacked Wang with a shovel, and Li assisted him.
After the murder, they buried Wang’s body and stole money from his WeChat account, splitting it between themselves. Zhang also ordered Ma to destroy Wang’s SIM card.
The court determined that Zhang was the primary instigator, having planned the crime, while Li actively participated and shared in the stolen funds.
Ma was sent for correctional education, a common measure for minors who commit crimes.
The sentencing drew mixed reactions on social media. Many praised the verdict, but some felt it was too lenient, particularly with Li, who will be released as a young adult.
One Weibo user warned, “The one who only got 12 years will be a young man when he is released. Hope he doesn’t take revenge on society when he is out.”
Others expressed sorrow for Wang, with one commenting, “As a parent, I really feel sorry for the kid. It’s really heart-breaking.”
Source-BBC
