CHARGED with murdering his grandmother, a Hong Kong resident went on trial in Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court on Monday, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported yesterday. Chen, 27, pleaded guilty to stealing more than 200,000 yuan (US$30,360) after murdering his grandmother in Bao’an District on Oct. 27 last year.

    Chen was angry his grandmother wouldn’t loan him money. He beat her with his fists, hit her with a stool and finally stabbed her in the neck with a pair of scissors. “She kept criticizing me and asking me if I owed money because I was using drugs or gambling. I was frustrated. I hit her after drinking some beer,” he said.

    Chen fled with the 226,450 yuan he stole from his grandmother’s safe in her bedroom. He was detained by the police two days later, according to the court hearing.

    Chen pled guilty in court Monday. He said he had been avoiding debt collectors in Hong Kong for three months.

    Chen’s grandmother had four children, including Chen’s mother. Chen’s grandfather is in the hospital for Alzheimer’s and unaware his wife is dead.

    Chen’s defense lawyer presented two copies of statements of understanding signed by Chen’s two aunts, but the court couldn’t confirm these statements’ authenticity and the judge required Chen’s two aunts to attend the court’s hearing and sign the statements. The statements signed will help lessen Chen’s punishment. (Zhang Yang)