A Chinese court has handed down sentences to two teenagers from Hebei province involved in the murder of their classmate, Wang, in a case that shocked the nation earlier this year. The adolescents, identified by their surnames Zhang and Li, were just 13 years old at the time of the crime in March.

According to a court statement issued Monday, Zhang and Li lured Wang to an abandoned vegetable greenhouse, where they attacked him with a shovel before burying his body. The court described their actions as “especially cruel” and the circumstances as “vile.”

Zhang was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Li received a 12-year prison term. A third adolescent, identified by his surname Ma, who was present at the scene, did not face criminal punishment but will undergo corrective education as per legal procedures for minors.

The court revealed that Zhang and Li had conspired to kill Wang and steal his money, which they planned to divide. Zhang used Wang’s phone to transfer money from his WeChat account to himself and Li, removed the SIM card, and instructed Ma to destroy it.

The sentencing concludes a case that drew widespread public outrage, especially after it was revealed that Wang had been persistently bullied at school by three classmates, including Zhang and Li. The court noted ongoing conflicts between the victim and his attackers.

On March 3, Zhang lured Wang to the greenhouse on a scooter, while Li and Ma followed on another scooter. During the journey, Li informed Ma of Zhang’s plan. Upon arrival, Zhang initiated the attack, and Li assisted. Ma, witnessing the assault, fled the scene.

After burying Wang, Zhang and Li left together. Police later approached the three adolescents, and Ma led them to the crime scene.

The court identified Zhang as the principal offender, citing his role in orchestrating the crime and inciting others to participate, directly resulting in Wang’s death. Li was deemed an active accomplice who assisted in the attack and benefited from the stolen money. Ma, though present during the crime, did not actively participate and will undergo education and correction instead of criminal sentencing.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about juvenile violence and bullying in China, sparking calls for increased preventative measures and reforms in handling youth offenders.