Ding Cuimei suffocated after being buried alive.

Expose
Pastor's wife buried alive, suffocated

A demolition team in China’s central Henan province buried a house church leader and his wife alive on April 14. The wife suffocated to death by the time she was dug free.

A government-backed company attempted to bulldoze Beitou Church after a local developer wished to build on the church’s property. Christians Li Jiangong and his wife, Ding Cuimei, stepped in front of the machinery.

“Bury them alive for me,” a member of the demolition team said. “I will be responsible for their lives.” Subsequently, a bulldozer shoved Li and Ding into a pit and covered them with soil. Li dug his way free, but Ding died before she could be rescued.

On April 17, a local police officer stated that two perpetrators are currently detained while an investigation team reviews their case. However, Li is concerned about the lack of action following his wife’s death.

“Bulldozing and burying alive Ding Cuimei, a peaceful and devout Christian woman, was a cruel, murderous act,” China Aid president Bob Fu said. “The Chinese authorities should immediately hold those murderers accountable and take concrete measures to protect the religious freedom of this house church’s members.”

Because of widespread media attention, government personnel are pressuring Li not to disclose case details. Meanwhile, Li is urging the justice system to examine the motive and circumstances behind his wife’s murder.