On the afternoon of 26/6/2025, in an underground parking lot of an apartment complex, Xu tracked Chu. Taking advantage of Chu's unawareness, Xu shot a steel pellet into his head from behind. When Chu fell to the ground, Xu fired another shot into his back before fleeing to Hunan province as per his pre-arranged plan. When medical personnel arrived at the scene, Chu had already died due to severe injuries. That same evening, police arrested Xu in Changde, Hunan.

Xu was tried for intentional homicide on 8/4 by the Yueyang City Intermediate People's Court in Hunan province for the murder of 30-year-old Chu last June. According to the indictment, Xu and Chu were childhood friends. Xu claimed in court that Chu had agreed to introduce him to a girlfriend and give him one million yuan (nearly 4 billion VND), but failed to fulfill these promises.

Xu's resentment stemmed from a troubled past; he lost several fingers in a childhood firecracker accident, which led to feelings of self-isolation, introversion, and suicidal thoughts. He had placed high expectations on Chu to introduce him to a romantic partner, believing it would rekindle his hope for life. By 2024, the failure to find a girlfriend caused Xu to lose faith in his future, simultaneously fostering intense anger towards Chu and the intention to kill. "I am the victim; Chu hurt me," Xu stated in court. "I have no money, but he does, so he should give me money. We are very close; he should introduce me to a girlfriend. He is my best friend, after all."

Chu's family confirmed the two were neighbors from the same village and played together since childhood. They stated that Chu had previously helped Xu find employment between 2018 and 2022, twice arranging for him to work at his own clothing store. However, Xu's employment was terminated due to poor performance. Not long after, Xu sent messages threatening to kill Chu, and also vandalized the windows of Chu's company and private residence.

From 4/2025 to 6/2025, Xu carried a homemade steel pellet gun, constantly lurking near Chu's home, awaiting an opportunity to commit the crime. He testified that he manufactured the gun himself, fearing that "using a knife would injure myself, while using a gun would leave the opponent defenseless."

The victim was shot down less than 50 meters from his parking spot. Photo: CNW

Xu's family had requested a mental health evaluation. The forensic report indicated that Xu was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but was fully capable of criminal responsibility at the time of the crime. Following the initial trial, the court had not yet issued a verdict. Chu's father recounted that Xu offered no apologies and showed no remorse, stating, "Near the end of the trial, Xu said he pleaded guilty but had no regrets."

Chu's family hopes the perpetrator will be sentenced to death and executed immediately.

Tue Anh (according to China News Weekly, Jimu News)