Shandong teenager prosecuted for intentional homicide of 5-year-old

A 13-year-old boy, surnamed Liang, has been prosecuted for intentional homicide in Bin'an County, Shandong Province, China. The incident occurred after Liang's sister was reportedly hit with sand by a 5-year-old neighbor, surnamed Wang.

On April 26, 2024, Liang allegedly lured Wang to a rest area and attempted to throw him into a ditch. After Wang resisted, Liang reportedly pushed him off a bridge into the water. Wang subsequently died from drowning after his body was discovered by a passerby.

Because Liang was between the ages of 12 and 14 at the time of the offense, his prosecution for intentional homicide requires approval from the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China under Article 17 of the Criminal Law. While such offenders can face criminal responsibility for particularly serious crimes, the law allows for consideration of mitigated sentences. The victim's family has expressed a desire for the maximum possible penalty.