Work photos of Wu Chunju and the victim Song Si
The day before yesterday, the People's Court of Zhenxiong County in Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, publicly tried the case of intentional injury (resulting in death) involving Wu Chunju, the former discipline inspection committee secretary of Poji Town. The parents of the deceased, Song Si, filed a criminal civil action lawsuit to the court, demanding that the defendant Wu Chunju compensate for the death compensation due to her harmful behavior, amounting to a total of more than 340,000 yuan. During the trial, the defendant Wu Chunju showed deep regret, shedding tears multiple times: "When I was harassed and beaten by a man (the deceased), I defended myself with a knife instead of seeking legal or organizational help... I never intended to kill him!"
Nearly a hundred people requested to attend as spectators.
As early as last August, the incident of "Wu Chunju stabbing her pursuer in public" attracted widespread social attention through numerous media reports. A few days ago, the court of Zhenxiong County announced the trial of this case through bulletin boards and websites, once again capturing people's attention.
On the afternoon of the previous day, when the reporter entered the court, nearly a hundred people were gathered at the courtroom entrance. They were family members of both the plaintiff and defendant and spectators attempting to squeeze into the courtroom but were sternly stopped by several judicial police: "There are no seats left in the courtroom!"
With the permission of the court, the reporter was allowed to enter the courtroom and participate as a spectator.
Charged with intentional injury
At 3 PM, the trial officially began. The reporter observed the defendant Wu Chunju with handcuffed hands, wearing prison clothes. Although she appeared haggard with swollen eyes and a low voice, she remained alert and composed. On the other hand, the family members of the deceased, including his parents and brothers, were visibly filled with grief and anger.
"The actions of the defendant Wu Chunju constitute the crime of intentional injury (resulting in death). The criminal facts are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient. We now legally initiate a public prosecution and request the court to sentence her according to the law." In the indictment, the prosecutor charged that on the morning of July 30, 2009, Song Si, an employee of the veterinary station in Poji Town, pursued the defendant Wu Chunju, the former discipline inspection committee secretary of Poji Town. When Song went to Wu's dormitory to express his love and was rejected, a dispute ensued, leading to a fight. After being separated by others, Song left and went downstairs to the courtyard of the town government. Subsequently, Wu came downstairs and publicly scolded Song. Song then struck Wu's head with his fists, causing Wu to stab Song with a fruit knife she carried, resulting in Song's death after failing to be saved at the hospital.
Wu Chunju is sued for over 340,000 yuan
During the trial, the court concurrently reviewed the civil claims made by the plaintiffs. The plaintiff's representative requested that the defendant Wu Chunju compensate the victim's family for over 340,000 yuan in losses, including funeral expenses and death compensation. Additionally, the plaintiff's representative firmly stated that accepting civil compensation would only be possible if "the court sentences the defendant to more than 13 years of fixed-term imprisonment."
In response, both the defendant and her two defense lawyers indicated: "We are willing to compensate within our capabilities." The presiding judge proposed that both parties attempt mediation hosted by the court the following morning, which both sides supported. It was learned that the civil compensation mediation conducted through the court yesterday still failed to reach a consensus.
Intentional injury or excessive self-defense
During the debate stage, surrounding the key issue of whether "the defendant's actions constituted intentional injury or excessive self-defense," both the prosecution and defense engaged in fierce arguments.
"Considering all aspects, the defendant's actions initially belonged to legitimate self-defense. However, due to the lack of control in using the knife, it resulted in excessive self-defense. We request the court to impose a lighter punishment or exempt her from punishment." In response to the prosecution's charge against the defendant, Wu's first defense lawyer argued that Song had significant fault throughout the incident. Song had repeatedly harassed Wu during his pursuit, making Wu feel restless. On the day of the incident, when Song intruded into Wu's dormitory and attempted to rape her, they struggled. Afterwards, Wu, feeling humiliated, went downstairs to curse Song and was struck on the head by Song. At that moment, Wu's life was under unlawful attack, forcing her to urgently defend herself with a knife. Wu did not have any intention of intentionally killing, thus constituting excessive self-defense. Moreover, after the incident, the defendant voluntarily turned herself in to the Poji police station, demonstrating self-surrender. Combined with her willingness to compensate the victims, she possesses mitigating circumstances for a lighter or exempted punishment.
The prosecutor rebutted: Although the defendant's actions of expressing affection had some fault, it was certainly not a major one. That morning, after being persuaded apart after arguing and struggling in the hallway, Wu took a fruit knife and hid it on her person despite the situation having calmed down. She then publicly insulted Song. Song merely used his bare hands to strike Wu to vent his frustration, posing no fatal threat to Wu's life safety. Wu had many methods and opportunities to avoid Song's harm but stabbed Song knowing the severe consequences of using a knife. Although Wu demonstrated self-surrender, it falls under "possible" rather than "definite" reduction or leniency in punishment.
Trial highlights
Wu Chunju willing to sell house
To compensate the deceased's parents
Presiding Judge: Did Song Si pursue you before the incident?
Wu Chunju (hereinafter referred to as "Wu"): In 2004, I already had a boyfriend, yet he started pursuing me, asking matchmakers to propose marriage, which I refused. I also publicly cursed and rejected him multiple times. Not only did he not give up, but he frequently harassed me, calling and sending text messages late at night with very vulgar content...(voice choked with emotion)
Presiding Judge: What were you thinking when you stabbed Song Si?
Wu: He secretly came into my dormitory and pinned me down on the bed intending to rape me. (crying) I made an excuse saying I would wash my face first, and when he slightly loosened his grip, I immediately fled the dormitory to seek help. At that time, he picked up the knife on the table and threatened me, which made me very afraid. After being separated by others, I worried he might return to my dormitory to rape me again, so I took the fruit knife to report the incident. (on the way) I encountered Song Si, unable to contain my anger, I cursed him and was struck violently on the head several times. Feeling dizzy, I thought my life was in danger and instinctively pulled out the knife and stabbed.
Presiding Judge: What is your opinion on the plaintiff's civil compensation claim?
Wu: I am willing to bear the compensation responsibility. I plan to sell the apartment I purchased on installment in Zhenxiong city, and try to secure loans and borrow money through my family to do my utmost in compensating Song Si's parents.
According to "Spring City Evening News"
> Related Reading:
Internet posts disclose the life journey of the female discipline inspection committee secretary who stabbed her pursuer.
Township female discipline inspection committee secretary stabs her pursuer to death in the government compound (with pictures)