US Man Sentenced to Death for Revenge Killing in China
On a Thursday in the busy Ningbo courts of Zhejiang Province, the Ningbo Intermediate People’s Court handed down a verdict that will send shockwaves across the globe: Shadeed Abdulmateen, a U.S. citizen, is now condemned to the death penalty for murdering his former girlfriend.
The Fateful Encounter
According to the court documents, it all began in June 2019. After a bitter break‑up, Abdulmateen set up a meeting with his ex‑girlfriend, Chen—a Chinese citizen—on the roof of a bus in Ningbo. What should have been a simple talk turned into a deadly nightmare.
How It Went Wrong
- Abdulmateen met Chen on the bus platform.
- He drew a folding knife and brutally stabbed her multiple times.
- He cut her face and neck repeatedly, ending her life.
The court described the crime as “premeditated revenge killing,” citing “vile motives, resolute intent, and cruel means.” The circumstances were said to be exceptionally gruesome, and the consequence—loss of life—was deemed severe enough to warrant the harshest punishment.
Reactions
The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said it was currently reviewing the information and had not yet confirmed any statements. The victims’ families and community members have expressed outrage, calling the sentence “both tragic and necessary.”
Why It Matters
While the death penalty remains highly controversial worldwide, this ruling underscores the strict enforcement of Chinese law against violent crimes, regardless of nationality. The case also highlights the cross‑border legal complexities that can arise when criminals do not stay in one jurisdiction for long.
