Overview
- In July, the Shenzhen court sentenced the mother, Li, to three years in prison, suspended for four years, for negligent homicide.
- The elder daughter received the same suspended sentence for helping carry out the ritual at home.
- Prosecutors said the family embraced beliefs in possession, telepathy and the notion their souls were sold, which led to the attempt.
- During the December incident, the mother and sister pressed on Xie’s chest and poured water into her mouth; she was found unresponsive the next morning and pronounced dead.
- Chinese social media users have condemned superstition and urged stronger science education and public awareness to prevent similar tragedies.