A 16-year-old girl in Hangzhou, China, is seeking compensation from the guardians of her late friend after surviving a brutal knife attack that left her seriously injured and facing medical bills exceeding 100,000 yuan (about RM59,000).
According to reports, the incident occurred in early March when the victim, identified as Chen Jianxiang, invited her close friend to her home after learning that the girl was struggling emotionally.
However, the visit allegedly took a shocking turn when the friend suddenly lost control. Reports stated that she first threw the family’s pet cat from a height, killing it, before turning her attention to Chen.
Armed with a fruit knife, the teenager allegedly attacked Chen repeatedly, inflicting a total of 25 stab and slash wounds. The assault only ended after neighbours heard screams and rushed to intervene.
The suspect later died by suicide, while Chen was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
A forensic examination found that the victim had suffered severe injuries to her lungs and several internal organs. Authorities classified her condition as a Level Two serious injury under local legal standards.
Chen said medical records submitted by the suspect’s mother to police and legal representatives indicated that the girl had previously been diagnosed with suspected moderate depression.
As the suspect is deceased, police reportedly closed the criminal investigation in accordance with legal procedures.
Despite surviving the attack, Chen said her medical expenses have already exceeded 100,000 yuan and may continue to rise. She is now preparing to pursue civil action against the late suspect’s guardians to seek compensation for her injuries and treatment costs.
The case has sparked widespread discussion online about mental health, parental responsibility and compensation rights for victims when an alleged offender dies before facing trial.
