Lecture Notes: The Nanjing University Murder Case

Introduction

• The lecture covers the unsolved murder case of Dao Aqing from Nanjing University, commonly referred to as the "2,000 pieces of meat stew" case.
• The case became one of China's most horrifying unsolved mysteries, involving human remains cooked and scattered around the city.

Discovery of the Crime

• Date: January 19th, 1996.
• Location: Nanjing, China.
• A sanitation worker found a handbag near Hao Road containing slices of meat, which later turned out to be human remains.
• Police found more body parts distributed in plastic-wrapped packages across eight locations around Nanjing University.
• The discovery included a human head and cooked meat.

Victim: Dao Aqing

• Background: Born March 1976 in Shangao Changyan District, Taiou City, Jiangsu Province.
• Youngest of two siblings; came from a poor family.
• Worked hard academically to pass the entrance exam to Nanjing University, enrolling in 1995 in computer applications.
• Disappearance: Last seen January 10th, 1996, after leaving a dorm following a dispute over a dormitory rule violation.

Investigation

• Initial suspicion was that the bag contained pork; later determined to be human remains.
• Police believed the murderer was someone with professional skills (e.g., butcher or surgeon).
• Over 2,000 pieces of her body were found.
• No CCTV available due to the era.
• Investigation included questioning classmates, teachers, and university staff but yielded no concrete leads.

Theories and Public Reaction

• Theories:
  • Professional with anatomical knowledge.
  • Possible connections to organ trafficking or cannibalism.
• Public and Media:
  • Media coverage led to widespread public fear and speculation.
  • Multiple online discussions and theories emerged over the years.
  • Statute of Limitations: Concerns arose as the 20-year prosecution period approached in 2016.

Legal and Institutional Responses

• Nanjing University's Actions:
  • Refunded Dao's tuition fees.
  • Faced a lawsuit from Dao's sister, later withdrawn without explanation.
• Family's Response:
  • Continued search for answers and justice.
  • Legal debates on the applicability of the statute of limitations.

Conclusion & Ongoing Mystery

• The case remains unsolved with no leads or suspects identified.
• Continues to be compared to the infamous Black Dahlia case in the US.
• Speculation on human trafficking versus other darker motives.
• Case remains a subject of public and academic interest, but the family seeks closure.