In Henan province, a 19-year-old girl was attempted to be sexually assaulted by someone last year, and she accidentally fell into the water while trying to escape. Instead of rescuing her, the suspect used tree branches to prevent her from getting ashore, leading to her drowning. Recently, the suspect was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in the first trial, and this news sparked anger across the internet.
According to “New Yellow River” report on February 18th, around 10 pm on July 25th last year, a girl named Xiaoyu from Zhoukou, Henan went out to enjoy the cool air by the roadside due to hot weather. She encountered Chen, who was drunk driving an electric tricycle. Chen approached her, engaged in conversation, and lured her into his vehicle under the pretense of taking her for a ride, then took her to a nearby small forest attempting to rape her.
As the location was closer to the village, Chen’s attempt failed. Unsatisfied, Chen took Xiaoyu to a small road near a pond in an attempt to rape her again. While Chen parked his vehicle, Xiaoyu took the opportunity to escape towards the pond, but accidentally fell in while evading Chen’s pursuit. Upon seeing this, instead of helping her, Chen, fearing the consequences if Xiaoyu was saved, used a stick to repeatedly hit her to prevent her from getting ashore, leading to her drowning. Afterwards, Chen even tried to fabricate the scene to make it look like Xiaoyu accidentally drowned herself.
The next morning, Xiaoyu’s mother, Ms. Chen, found that her daughter had not returned home all night, and after unsuccessful search efforts, she reported it to the police. Five days later, on July 30, 2024, Xiaoyu’s body was discovered.
During this period, Chen continued his daily routine, working during the day and socializing with friends over drinks at night. Ms. Chen mentioned that Chen was apprehended by the police while drinking.
On January 15 of this year, Chen was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for the charges of rape and intentional homicide.
Ms. Chen is dissatisfied with the verdict and has filed an appeal with the prosecutors’ office, awaiting the second trial.
After the verdict was exposed online, it triggered widespread outrage.
Netizens questioned, “Is there still justice?” “Where is the righteousness?” “Unsuccessful rape attempt + intentional murder, shouldn’t this warrant an immediate death penalty?” “Who is protecting the murderer again?”
“Not sentencing the death penalty is too unjust for the girl.” “A reprieve means there is still a high chance of release in the future.” “This kind of crime deserves death, it’s against righteousness.” “The appeal must be executed immediately, probation gives the criminal a chance to live, allowing them to think they can escape punishment.”