Junior high student dies after schoolmate throws knife
A junior high school student in Nantou County bled to death after a classmate threw a craft knife at him during an altercation, yesterday, March 20.
Two male students, named Lee and Liu had just finished school, and were buying drinks at a tea stand in Shuili Township, when one of the students called the other by an offensive nickname, according to reports in United Daily News and China Times.
In the ensuing altercation, Liu pulled out a craft knife and threw it at Lee, hitting Lee in the left side of his neck, piercing the carotid artery.
A witness at the scene attempted to stem the bleeding, but to no avail, and Lee lost vital signs while being rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead shortly after arrival.
School officials were reported as saying that Liu and Lee were in different classes but got on well together, and usually went home from school together, buying drinks together every afternoon.
However, Lee’s father wrote an emotional appeal in a local resident Facebook group today in which he condemned false media reports. Mr Lee said that Liu and his son were not good friends and did not usually go home together. Mr Lee also criticized reports that suggested his son had provoked Liu. Lee said that his son was the victim, and that he had Tourette’s Syndrome, and had as a result suffered ridicule since he was a young child.
Liu was questioned by police and sent to the Nantou District Prosecutor’s office. Because he is a minor, prosecutors transferred him to the Nantou District Court.
The Nantou County Department of Education said that it would send counselors to the school to talk to classmates of both boys. DOE officials also urged schools to strengthen their life education classes, including lessons on emotional control, reported Liberty Times.
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