Even though the stepfather only suffered minor injuries, he was still convicted of intentional homicide.
Although Xiao Zhang was determined to take the life of his stepfather, Old Zhang, and although his actions did not result in his stepfather's death, his behavior already constitutes the crime of intentional homicide.
Xiao Zhang, a 25-year-old man from Tianzhen County. After the Spring Festival in 2014, Xiao Zhang and his mother Han went to Shijiazhuang for work. In mid-March, Han noticed that Xiao Zhang was in poor mental state, often having unfounded suspicions. Han thought of taking Xiao Zhang home for medical treatment. Her idea was supported by her husband, Old Zhang.
On April 2nd, Old Zhang brought Xiao Zhang home and noticed that Xiao Zhang's eyes were red and swollen, refusing to speak with family, alternating between crying and laughing, and shouting about wanting to commit suicide. After dinner, seeing Xiao Zhang in great distress, Old Zhang gave Xiao Zhang a sedative pill, but it had no effect. At the time, Old Zhang thought Xiao Zhang had been possessed by something unclean. So, following superstitious practices, Old Zhang lit yellow paper and circled it around Xiao Zhang, hoping to drive away the unclean spirit.
Old Zhang is actually Xiao Zhang's stepfather. And Xiao Zhang's mother, Han, had a history of mental illness.
After being taken home by Old Zhang, Xiao Zhang felt that his stepfather and mother were trying to harm him. That night, after his stepfather and mother had fallen into a deep sleep, Xiao Zhang began to feel uneasy. He turned on the lights in the house, started cursing Old Zhang, grabbed Old Zhang by the collar with his left hand, and punched him in the head with his right fist. Old Zhang hurriedly ran out of the house, with Xiao Zhang chasing closely behind. As Old Zhang was about to reach the front gate, he stumbled and fell. Xiao Zhang then pushed over a low brick wall in the yard. The bricks fell on Old Zhang, and Xiao Zhang picked up a brick and began smashing it against Old Zhang's head. At that moment, Xiao Zhang felt a surge of strength throughout his body, with a single thought in mind: to beat Old Zhang to death. Xiao Zhang believed that only by doing so could Old Zhang no longer harm him.
The assessment determined that Xiao Zhang was experiencing a depressive episode with psychotic symptoms and had partial criminal responsibility. Lao Zhang's injuries constituted minor injury.
At the time of the incident, Xiao Zhang was intent on taking Old Zhang's life. Although Old Zhang only sustained minor injuries, this outcome does not affect the determination that Xiao Zhang committed intentional homicide. Taking into account Xiao Zhang's mental illness and other factors, the court sentenced Xiao Zhang to three years' imprisonment and deprivation of political rights for one year for intentional homicide.
