In the summer of 2020, a chilling case in Hangzhou, Zhejiang shocked China after a 55-year-old man, Xu Guoli, murdered his wife, dismembered her body, and disposed of the remains by flushing them into a septic system—while later appearing on television as a distressed husband searching for her.
The case began in July 2020 when 53-year-old Lai Huili was reported missing. Xu quickly went public, appealing for help and describing his wife’s disappearance in emotional detail. His composed yet sorrowful on-camera presence initially drew sympathy nationwide, with some neighbours even helping to distribute missing person notices.
In the media interviews, Xu repeatedly asked where his wife had gone, presenting himself as a desperate and confused husband. His performance was convincing enough to mislead the public and divert attention in the early stages of the investigation.
However, police later uncovered that the disappearance was staged. Investigations revealed that Xu had premeditated the murder amid long-standing disputes over property and finances, and had prepared tools including knives and a cutting device in advance.
On the night of July 4, 2020, Xu allegedly drugged his wife by mixing sedatives into her milk before killing her while she was asleep. He then dismembered the body in the bathroom and disposed of parts using a grinder, flushing them into the drainage system, while scattering other remains around the residential area.
After attempting to clean up the scene, Xu reported his wife missing on July 6, appearing calm and composed while filing the police report alongside his daughter.
The case took a decisive turn when investigators focused on the household’s unusually high water usage and the absence of CCTV evidence showing the victim leaving the home. A large-scale search of the residential complex’s septic system was then launched.
After nearly a full day of work in extreme heat, forensic teams discovered suspected human remains after processing dozens of truckloads of waste. DNA testing later confirmed the remains belonged to Lai Huili.
Confronted with the evidence, Xu eventually confessed to the killing and dismemberment. He was sentenced to death following court proceedings, with the verdict upheld after appeal. In March 2023, he was executed after approval by China’s Supreme People’s Court.
