Unsolved Nanjing University Murder: Family Sues for Negligence

The brutal murder of Diao Aiqing, a 19-year-old student at Nanjing University, remains unsolved 25 years later. This notorious cold case continues to haunt China, and now, Diao’s family is suing the university for alleged negligence, claiming their failure in their duty of care contributed to her tragic death.

The gruesome details of the crime shocked the nation in 1996. Diao’s dismembered body, boiled and cut into over 2,000 pieces, was discovered scattered across eight locations on and near the campus nine days after her disappearance. The sheer brutality of the act gripped the public’s attention, but despite extensive investigations, the perpetrator remains at large.

Diao was last seen alive on January 10, 1996, after leaving her dormitory following a dispute with the building’s management. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from her roommate’s use of electronic appliances, for which Diao was unjustly reprimanded. Her family argues that this unfair punishment led to her leaving the dorm in anger, ultimately contributing to her vulnerability and subsequent murder.

The family’s lawyer, Zhou Zhaocheng of Beijing Yifa Law Firm, filed a civil lawsuit against Nanjing University on behalf of Diao’s parents. They contend that the university failed in its duty of care by not immediately informing them of their daughter’s disappearance. Instead, the family was notified only after the police discovered Diao’s remains.

Lawyer Zhou Zhaocheng and Diao Aiqing's sister, Diao Aihua, in Nanjing on March 29, 2021.

The lawsuit alleges that the university’s negligence played a significant role in Diao’s fate. Had the university promptly notified her parents of her disappearance, they argue, there might have been a chance to prevent the tragedy. The family’s legal action seeks to hold the university accountable for its alleged failure to protect its students.

The case gained renewed attention on the 20th anniversary of Diao’s murder, when the Ministry of Public Security Criminal Investigation Bureau issued a statement affirming that the investigation remained open and was not subject to the statute of limitations. This reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to pursuing justice for Diao, despite the passage of time.

This case highlights the critical importance of university safety and the responsibility institutions bear for the well-being of their students. The legal battle between Diao’s family and Nanjing University raises crucial questions about duty of care, institutional accountability, and the long-term impact of unresolved trauma on victims’ families. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving student safety and university negligence in China.

This cold case continues to resonate with the public, serving as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of violence and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims and their families. While the legal proceedings unfold, the memory of Diao Aiqing and the quest to find her killer endure. The hope remains that one day, the truth will be revealed, and those responsible for this horrific crime will be brought to justice.

The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of cold cases, the enduring pain of loss, and the critical need for accountability in ensuring student safety on university campuses. The Diao Aiqing case serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed.