Conflicts and arguments among couples are inevitable, but for one couple from Baoji city in western Shaanxi province in China, the situation got out of hand which eventually led to the death of their 2-year-old son.
A 7-second clip that has been circulating online showed the father, named Liu, lifting his son up and violently slamming him on a sofa.
The act which took place on 19 August 2020, and was done twice causing the toddler to fall onto the ground from the impact of the slamming.
2-year-old toddler dies after succumbing to injuries. Image source: video screengrab
In the video, Liu was seen grabbing his son as he lifted him high up in the air, before flinging him downwards on the sofa. | Image source: video screengrab
Following the incident, the toddler who is aged 2 years and 6 months, was sent to the Baoji People’s Hospital for emergency treatment.
He was said to have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation following the consultation and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
While warded in the intensive care unit to receive further treatment, he eventually succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
The father, Liu, has been taken into custody and investigations are ongoing.
According to Baoji authorities, the incident took place after the drunken father and the toddler’s mother were embroiled in an argument over the child’s upbringing.
Online news site What’s on Weibo however, reported that the video was recorded by the toddler’s mother, who is now said to be receiving psychological counselling since the incident.
While it was not revealed why the toddler’s mother filmed the act and did not intervene in that situation, other sources as quoted by Sina News states that the mother is suffering from a mental illness.
Charge for Father will Depend on Intention of the Act
Netizens who chanced upon the viral video also expressed their outrage at the incident, which sparked a heated debate on whether Liu intentionally tried to kill his son.
Liu’s sentence will, however, depend on the charge of whether he planned to harm the toddler on purpose, or cause his death on purpose.
Many Weibo netizens appeared to stand for the Shaanxi father in receiving the death penalty.
A Lawyer blogger on Weibo named ‘Ding Dalong’ also weighed in on the issue, but states that Liu should be charged with intentional injury, rather than intentional murder.
According to Ding, while it was clear from the short video that Liu intentionally harmed the child, he did not slam the toddler on the floor but on the sofa instead.
He said that in the event Liu is sentenced for intentional injury causing death, Liu will face “no less than ten years imprisonment, life imprisonment or death penalty”.
You can view the footage of the incident below.
Note: Distressing content ahead, viewers to watch with discretion.
While this incident may have happened in China, it serves as a reminder for all to not act rashly. Disputes are common especially in households, and tension levels can run high especially now with more staying home.
If you or someone you know needs help, here are some organisations that you can turn to for support:
Marital and parenting issues
Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform
Mental Well-being
- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)
- Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
- Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385-3714)
Counselling
TOUCHline (Counselling) – 1800 377 2252
And in the event of immediate harm, call emergency medical services at 995 or approach the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
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