China teen, 14, sentenced to life for raping & killing 15-year-old female classmate

A court in southwest China has sentenced a 14-year-old boy to life imprisonment after he was convicted of raping and killing his female classmate.

The Qujing Intermediate People’s Court said the offender, identified by the surname Jiang, had committed acts that constituted the crimes of rape and intentional homicide, adding that the circumstances of the case were “extremely serious” and warranted heavy punishment.

He was also stripped of political rights for life, the court said, according to Global Times.

Strangled victim after fearing crime would be exposed

According to court findings, Jiang and the victim, a 15-year-old girl identified as Fang Han Han, were classmates.

The incident took place between the night of Jul. 6 and the early hours of Jul. 7, 2025.

The court said Jiang used violence in an attempt to rape the girl before strangling her.

“Fearing his actions would be discovered, the 14-year-old Jiang strangled Fang to death with his hands,” the court said, as reported by China Daily.

Judges added that the case involved particularly severe consequences and therefore required strict punishment under the law.

Attacked classmate while she was walking home

According to the court, Jiang and the victim had earlier been playing together on the evening of Jul. 6, 2025.

While heading home, Jiang suddenly attacked her and strangled her. She reportedly cried out for help twice during the struggle.

Fearing his actions would be exposed, he continued strangling her until she became unresponsive, the court heard.

Police arrested Jiang shortly after the incident. He was 14 at the time of the offence.

Reports also said he later went out to pick mushrooms nearby before being taken into custody.

Death penalty not applicable due to age

Although the court described the crime as especially serious, it said the death penalty could not be imposed because Jiang was under 18 at the time of the offence.

Under Chinese law, juvenile offenders are not eligible for capital punishment.

The court therefore imposed life imprisonment based on “the facts, nature and circumstances of the case, as well as the harm caused to society,” per the Global Times.

Victim’s father says he cannot accept verdict

The victim’s family later said they were dissatisfied with the sentence and intended to appeal.

“He wants me to forgive him. Why didn’t he go easy on my daughter and give her a chance to live?” the girl’s father said, according to Sin Chew Daily.

He added that he had not arranged funeral matters for his daughter.

“I failed to protect my daughter and I have already let her down,” he said.

Lawyer says life sentence is maximum possible punishment for juvenile offender

Zhou Zhaocheng, the family’s legal representative, said the ruling reflected the strictest punishment available under current law for offenders below 18.

“Although this verdict upholds the bottom line of the judiciary, it is still difficult to soothe the heart-wrenching pain of the victim’s parents who have lost their daughter,” Zhou said.