Execution Carried Out for Man in His Twenties Who Lured, Sexually Assaulted, and Murdered Seven-Year-Old Girl, Sparking Outrage Across China

Man in His Twenties Executed in China for Rape and Murder of Seven-Year-Old
Court States: "The Crime Was Extremely Serious... Caused Great Social Harm"

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay

The death penalty has been carried out against a man in his twenties who was convicted of brutally sexually assaulting and murdering a seven-year-old child in China.

According to Hongxing News and Jimu News on June 23, the Supreme People's Court of Hunan Province executed Zhu Mo (28) on June 6. He had been sentenced to death for murder and to 12 years in prison for rape.

On the morning of October 30, 2021, in Sanhe Village, Changsha County, Changsha, Hunan Province, Zhu lured a seven-year-old girl into a forest, strangled her, sexually assaulted her, and then killed her before fleeing the scene. According to media reports, Zhu, who was feeling desperate due to his inability to repay online loans, approached the victim?whom he happened to encounter on the street?under the pretense of helping with her bicycle. He then lured her into the forest by suggesting they "go see a little rabbit," where he committed the horrific crime.

The case drew public attention after the victim's father issued a notice asking for help in finding his missing daughter. However, the victim was ultimately found dead, partially clothed, sparking widespread outrage. Police offered a reward of 100,000 yuan (approximately 1,924,000 KRW), and apprehended the suspect in an internet cafe three days later.

Zhu Mo (28), perpetrator of child sexual assault and murder in China. Photo by Jimu News

The court of first instance explained its decision to impose the death penalty by stating, "The crime was extremely serious and vicious, committed against a victim under the age of eight who was unable to resist, and caused great social harm." As Zhu did not appeal, the verdict was finalized, and the execution was carried out with the approval of the Supreme People's Court. China remains the country with the highest number of executions in the world and continues to enforce strict legal measures for heinous crimes such as murder and rape.