Hong Kong mother of three takes own life after allegedly trying to kill seven-year-old son: police
- The 43-year-old’s family had been facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there was no history of mental illness
- The seven-year-old boy sustained minor injuries after allegedly having a scarf wrapped around his throat
A mother of three was declared brain-dead on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to kill her seven-year-old son in their Hong Kong home before then taking her own life.
The 43-year-old was helping her eldest son with his homework at about 10.50am when she broke down emotionally and threatened to kill him, according to Ho Siu-Tung, Wan Chai acting assistant district commander. Another son and daughter, aged six and five, were in the flat on Stone Nullah Lane at the time.
She was said to have pushed the boy off the bed and covered his face with a scarf. He managed to break free, only for her to wrap the scarf around his neck, before he escaped again after about two minutes.
The woman then tried to hang herself using the same scarf in the living room but failed, then locked herself in another room, Ho said.
The children then called their father for help. Returning home from work after about 30 minutes, he broke into the locked room, only to find his unconscious wife hanging from a nylon rope.
She was rushed to Ruttonjee Hospital but later confirmed brain-dead. The seven-year-old boy sustained minor injuries to his neck.
Ho said the household had been facing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They had not been assisted by social workers, and there was no record of domestic violence or mental issues.
Police are investigating the case as attempted murder and suicide. They called on the public to pay more attention to family members and friends suffering under the economic conditions created by the pandemic.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
