Refer China: Foreign Husband Suspected of Killing Chinese Wife, Infant Child

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Foreign Husband Suspected of Killing Chinese Wife and Infant Daughter

A tragic case involving the deaths of a Chinese doctoral student and her two-month-old daughter in Germany has shocked both China and the international student community. The Chinese Consulate in Düsseldorf has confirmed that the victims were 31-year-old Zhu Ruimin and her infant daughter, allegedly killed by Zhu's husband, a Slovak national named Erik.

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The incident occurred on November 29 in Düsseldorf, capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, and has since drawn widespread attention online.

German authorities found the mother and child dead at their residence, while a 43-year-old man, later identified as Erik, was found at the scene with severe self-inflicted injuries. He was arrested and is under police custody at a hospital. Authorities suspect him of intentional homicide and have issued a warrant, though formal interrogation has not yet been possible due to his condition.

Zhu's brother told Chinese media that Erik admitted responsibility while speaking to his own brother. The family, from a rural area in Heze, Shandong Province, is struggling both emotionally and financially. Zhu was a doctoral student at a German university, completing her fifth year of study after earning a scholarship through China's public education system. Her family recalls her expressing hope of returning to China with Erik after graduation to settle and work.

Zhu and Erik met years ago in China when he was an exchange student. Their relationship deepened when Zhu moved to Germany for her studies. Described by the family as "honest and quiet," Erik showed no signs of violence in the past. The couple married during a visit to China last summer and returned to Germany, later announcing their pregnancy.

The family became alarmed after losing contact with Zhu in late November. On December 2, Erik's brother reached out to Zhu's family, reporting he could not reach Erik. Zhu's brother began investigating and came across a local police notice online about the deaths of a woman and child. He contacted the Chinese embassy the following day and eventually received confirmation of his sister's death.

The Chinese Consulate has activated emergency response protocols, demanding that German authorities thoroughly investigate the case and safeguard the rights of Chinese citizens. Officials are also assisting the family with legal, logistical, and emotional support, including helping arrange travel to Germany for Zhu's mother and uncle.

Zhu's former classmates and university colleagues in China have launched fundraising efforts to support her grieving family. Her brother expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support.

Source: 红星新闻