A 20-year-old driver named Liao killed a family of three in a high-speed crash in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, after driving at 129km/h in a 40km/h zone on October 2, 2024.
Liao was speeding after an argument with his girlfriend, who repeatedly asked him to slow down before the collision occurred.
The victims were a 31-year-old father who worked at a state-owned enterprise, his 30-year-old wife who was an accountant, and their baby son who was days away from his first birthday. They were heading to a family dinner when Liao’s Tesla struck them.
Security cameras recorded the crash at approximately 6:40 pm. The mother and infant died at the scene, while the father died on the way to the hospital.
“We were waiting for them to come home for dinner, but all we got was a call from the traffic police telling us they were gone,” said Hu, who lost her son and grandson in the accident.
The victims’ parents have experienced severe depression following the tragedy. “It feels like the world has collapsed around us,” Hu said.
The case gained national attention across China due to both the deaths and Liao’s behavior after the crash. According to Hu, Liao showed no compassion at the scene.
“The scene was blood-soaked, yet he was chatting, joking, and laughing about my baby. Does he have any humanity?” she said.
Liao’s father made matters worse by threatening the victims’ family when they filed a lawsuit. “My son killing your son was an act of God, you suing my son is a man-made disaster!” he reportedly told them.
The father offered 800,000 yuan (S$144,000) as compensation and suggested his son would care for the victims’ elderly parents after his prison release. The family rejected this proposal.
“What use is the money when two generations of my family are gone? How could he even suggest such a thing? Why would we allow the murderer who destroyed our family to take care of us?” Hu asked.
During a four-hour trial at Jingdezhen Intermediate People’s Court on April 15, 2025, Hu publicly requested the death penalty.
“This man is only 20 years old, but he is already so cruel! One life for three lives, that is the only justice,” she stated.
Liao has been charged with endangering public safety by dangerous means. The court will deliver a verdict at a later date.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation online, with many Chinese social media users calling for severe punishment. One comment read: “This was intentional murder. He must pay with his life.”
Another said, “This is just too heartbreaking to watch. I hope this grieving mother can stay strong and see justice served, so that the ‘monster’ gets what he deserves!”
