Lecture on Viral Case in China: The Disappearance of a Boarding School Student

Introduction

• Viral incident in China, unfolded January 2023.
• A security guard at a massive boarding school (600 acres) discovers a body after his guard dog reacts strangely during a patrol.
• Body found was a 15-year-old student who had been missing for 3 months, hanging from a tree by shoelaces.
• The case inspired various conspiracy theories and captured widespread media attention.

Background and Setup

• Occurred at zhi Yuan High School, a large gated boarding school with strict supervision.
• Facilities include two main buildings (classrooms/administration and student dorms), gym, parks, and sports facilities.
• Students not allowed to leave without permission, school has three main gates.
• Unique aspect: Parents can choose to board with students, with around 90 parents living on campus.

Incident Description

• October 14, 2022: Last seen at 5:49 pm walking into dorm; missing by 6:20 pm study hall.
• Teachers and administrators search but don’t find him, informing parents by 11:21 pm.
• Massive search efforts included drones, thermal scanning, and civilian volunteers.

Theories and Conspiracies

• Several conspiracy theories arose due to lack of evidence and strange elements of the case:
  • School Conspiracy: Allegations of a cover-up by the school, possible editing of CCTV footage.
  • Chemistry Teacher and Principal Involvement: Speculations of foul play involving school authorities.
  • Blanket Theory: Suggests a body was moved using a blanket.
  • Panda Blood Theory: Outlandish claim regarding rare blood type and organ trafficking.

Investigations and Findings

• Police initially treat it as a missing persons (Runaway) case.
• CCTV cameras had suspicious glitches; some logs were missing, leading to distrust.
• Interventions by external experts and famous detective Lee Cheng Yu who suggested potential foul play.

Discovery of the Body

• January 28, 2023: Body found by a guard, less than 0.2 miles from main school building.
• Found hanging from a tree; foul play suspected but police later confirm suicide.

Psychological and Societal Aspects

• Shing was under immense academic pressure; declining grades post-pandemic affected mental health.
• Notes and recordings revealed his mental distress and contemplation of suicide.
• Public reactions include anger at systemic pressures within the education system.

Conclusion

• Autopsy confirms suicide; family devastated, face public scrutiny.
• Deep societal reflections on the pressures of the education system in China and its impact on mental health.

Reflections

• Case highlights the need for mental health awareness and support in high-pressure academic environments.
• Challenges in distinguishing between conspiracy and reality in cases with little initial evidence.
• Emphasizes compassion in speculation, acknowledging real impacts on families involved.