[October 25, 2024] The retrial of Yu Huaying, charged with trafficking 17 children, was held on October 25 at the Guiyang Intermediate People's Court in Guizhou Province, where Yu was again sentenced to death. According to Yang Niuhua, one of the victims, Yu showed no remorse.

Early on the 25th, many families of the victims gathered at the court, awaiting the verdict. “I just want her to receive the death penalty,” said a mother whose son, Ren Peng, was kidnapped on July 19, 1994.

According to the court’s official WeChat account, Yu Huaying was accused of conspiring with Gong (deceased) and Wang (tried separately) between 1993 and 2003, moving through Guizhou, Yunnan, Chongqing, and other regions to select and abduct children for profit.

Due to Yu Huaying’s role in the abduction of 17 children, causing 12 families to be torn apart, and leaving many parents suffering over years of search and grief—some even succumbing to depression—the crime’s consequences were deemed especially severe. Yu was sentenced to death and had all personal assets confiscated. She immediately appealed.

After the verdict, Yang Niuhua and her sister left the court in tears, stating that they would continue to pursue their civil lawsuit to the end.

Yang Niuhua filed a claim for over 9.2 million yuan in civil compensation, reported The Paper on October 24. However, she also noted, “I know her financial situation and that she can’t pay, but this amount is meant to send a warning to traffickers, showing that the cost of child trafficking is extremely high to deter others.”

Yang explained that after she was abducted, her parents passed away, and she grew up facing judgment and gossip from others, enduring numerous hardships.

Speaking to The Paper, she emphasized that while people may only see the number “17” for the trafficked children, behind this number are countless families shattered, people separated, and parents unable to find peace even in death. She stressed that Yu Huaying showed no signs of remorse.

Yang recounted that in a previous hearing, when Yu was brought into the court, “Yu Huaying looked at me with half-closed eyes and her chin slightly raised for over 10 seconds. Her look made me feel like she saw me as an enemy, not as someone she had hurt.”

“When we questioned her, she suddenly became very agitated, raised her head slightly, and argued with us directly in a loud voice, showing no remorse or admission of guilt,” Yang added.

Regarding the judgment, Yang Niuhua said, “We have prepared for the worst. If she appeals, we will just have to continue fighting, even if it’s exhausting.”

Editor: Lin Congwen