Photo: IC

On Friday, the Intermediate People's Court of Weinan in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province sentenced defendant Li to death with a two-year reprieve and deprivation of political rights for life for intentional homicide - an offense committed when he poured noodle broth over his wife, surnamed Wu, resulting her death, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to Xinhua, the couple operated a noodle restaurant in Baishui county. Since June 2024, Li had become involved in conflicts with Wu over what he viewed as an online affair she engaged in. On September 4 of the same year, Li quarreled with Wu again at the restaurant after drinking alcohol. He beat her up and poured room temperature noodle broth over his wife, causing her death. 

A forensic examination later confirmed that Wu died from asphyxiation caused by inhalation of the broth.

The Weinan court said Li deliberately and illegally took another person's life following marital and family conflicts, and his actions constituted intentional homicide. The court also noted that Li turned himself in, that the victim bore some responsibility in the events leading to the case, and that Li had received forgiveness from the victim's family. Taking these factors into account, the court eventually decided on a lighter punishment.

Global Times