Zhang Huanzhi, 72, Nie Shubin's mother, at her home on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, in September. Luo Wangshu / China Daily

A family member displays a 1993 photo of Nie Shubin with his older sister. Nie was executed in 1995, having been convicted of raping and murdering a 38-year-old woman. Xiao Chen / for China Daily

Wang Shujin at his trial in July 2013. Wang, who was charged with rape and murder, confessed he had also committed the crimes that cost Nie Shubin his life. Ding Lixin / Xinhua