On December 2, a 12-year-old boy ended his own mother’s life in Hunan province, stabbing her to death inside their home in Yuanjiang. Before the murder, the son and mother were arguing over four packs of cigarettes that the boy had stolen and smoked, which led to the mother beating her son.
The mother’s body was discovered the next day locked inside a bedroom, lying in a pool of blood. While police detained the son for a short period, he was released with no conditions because he was under 14 years old. (In China, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 14 years old). According to New York Times, the boy was back in school that same week, causing an uproar among his classmates’ families.
In an interview with Beijing News, when the father was asked if his son was punished for what took place, he responded: “This child is too young, he doesn’t understand things.” The boy was also quoted saying, “I didn’t kill anyone else, I only killed my mom,” after acknowledging his wrongdoing.
People online have voiced their opinions on the case, disregarding the child’s age and calling for more severe repercussions. “He got released this quick? He didn’t show the least bit of remorse after killing his own mother, are you certain that he won’t be a danger to society,” wrote one baffled netizen after watching the boy’s father tell Beijing News he has acted normal since the killing. Another person posted, “Why is it because he is young that he doesn’t face any consequences? Do you really think that type of personality will grow up and change for the good?”
After the boy's return to school was met with firm opposition by concerned parents, the local government intervened. Beijing News reported that local officials have agreed to send the boy to Changsha where he will stay in asylum.
[Cover image: screengrab via QQ]
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