A shocking domestic violence case in China has sparked nationwide outrage after a 31-year-old woman was allegedly beaten unconscious and thrown off a cliff by her husband just 13 days after her divorce request was rejected by a court.
The case, which took place in Shaanxi province, went on trial today at the Yongshou County People’s Court in Xianyang, drawing widespread public attention.
After around four hours of proceedings, the court adjourned without delivering a verdict.
According to the victim’s family, the accused man, identified only by his surname Zhang, has admitted to killing his wife but allegedly attempted to avoid responsibility over key details during testimony.
The family also revealed that neither Zhang nor his relatives had apologised since the incident happened.
The victim’s mother and sister told reporters outside court that the accused’s family had repeatedly sought forgiveness by citing the couple’s two children.
However, the family firmly rejected any attempt at emotional pressure and insisted they would not accept reconciliation, demanding that the accused receive the death penalty.
Reports and prosecution documents stated that the victim, identified as Miaomiao, entered a whirlwind marriage with Zhang shortly after meeting him, and the couple later had two sons.
During their nine-year marriage, Miaomiao was allegedly subjected to repeated domestic abuse.
In August 2024, she reportedly filed for divorce for the first time, but the court encouraged mediation and the case was later withdrawn.
In November the same year, she filed for divorce again after allegedly enduring continued abuse, but the court rejected the request on December 11.
Just 13 days later, on December 24, Miaomiao was allegedly attacked outside her rented home by Zhang, who repeatedly assaulted her until she lost consciousness.
Prosecutors said Zhang then drove his unconscious wife to a dirt cliff more than 10 metres high before throwing her over the edge.
Forensic investigators later confirmed that the victim died from severe head injuries and multiple organ damage caused by the fall.
Authorities said Zhang initially called police and falsely claimed that Miaomiao had jumped off the cliff herself.
Police investigations later found that Zhang’s father and sister also allegedly provided false statements to authorities. Both were reportedly given administrative detention and fined over the matter.
The tragic case has reignited public debate in China over domestic violence protection laws and concerns surrounding divorce cases involving abuse victims.
