On October 16, 2025, a heartbreaking incident shook Shenzhen as 14-year-old Pan Yuyou was brutally stabbed to death by her male classmate, Zhong, with 26 stab wounds in front of her home in April. Zhong knelt and begged for forgiveness upon hearing the prosecution seek the death penalty during the trial on October 15. The case has been scheduled for further judgment.
Pan Yuyou’s mother, Ms. Zeng, revealed that Zhong’s lawyer claimed in court that he had been a victim of bullying, which led him to commit the crime. However, testimonies from witnesses refuted this claim, denying any instances of bullying against Zhong.
Ms. Zeng expressed her disappointment that Zhong and his family never apologized for the heinous act until the moment he faced the possibility of the death penalty in court. She described Zhong’s attempt to blame mental issues for his actions as a mere excuse, emphasizing that he had meticulously planned the murder.
“He was cruel; he stabbed my daughter 26 times,” Ms. Zeng disclosed, shedding light on the premeditated nature of the crime based on evidence found in Zhong’s belongings and his online activities. She expressed her firm stance against any leniency towards Zhong and called for the court to deliver the harshest punishment, even advocating for the death penalty.
According to authorities, Zhong’s jealousy towards Pan Yuyou’s academic achievements and family background, coupled with perceived disrespect from her, fueled his motive for the heinous act. The prosecution documents further revealed that Zhong harbored resentment towards Pan Yuyou over trivial matters in their daily lives, leading to the fatal assault.
Zhong, Pan Yuyou, and another student, Chen, were classmates in their third year at a Shenzhen middle school. The trio lived in the same residential area, where their fathers took turns in escorting them to and from school since their first year.
On the fateful afternoon of April 8, 2025, after school, Chen’s father dropped Zhong, Pan Yuyou, and Chen at the entrance of their residential compound and departed. Pan Yuyou and Chen walked towards their respective buildings within the compound, while Zhong followed Pan Yuyou, confronted her with a black folding knife purchased online, and carried out the brutal attack. After the assault, Zhong fled the scene but later returned to inflict further harm upon Pan Yuyou, eventually leading to her tragic demise.
Following the discovery of Pan Yuyou’s severe injuries by the residential staff, Zhong was apprehended at Longhua District Central Hospital in Shenzhen the next day. The forensic examination confirmed that Pan Yuyou died from multiple stab wounds that resulted in fatal injuries to her heart, lungs, and veins.
At the age of 48, Ms. Zeng and her husband welcomed Pan Yuyou as a cherished daughter late in their lives. However, the unimaginable tragedy of their daughter’s murder by a classmate they had kindly chauffeured for three years has shattered their family. Ms. Zeng expressed the profound anguish that engulfs their household, leaving them unable to cope with the loss of their beloved daughter.
The senseless and barbaric act that claimed Pan Yuyou’s life serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence in our communities, prompting calls for justice and accountability in the face of such unfathomable tragedy.