Duan Guocheng was born in 1973 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in central China. Very little is publicly known about his early life, but available information suggests that he grew up in a deeply disadvantaged environment. His family struggled financially and moved frequently, which contributed to an unstable and isolated childhood. This instability, combined with a lack of consistent support and supervision, appeared to shape his early behavioral issues.

During adolescence, Duan began engaging in petty crimes, primarily burglary and breaking into properties. These activities repeatedly brought him into contact with the authorities, and he spent much of his teenage years in juvenile detention centers. This early criminal behavior set a pattern that would continue into adulthood, evolving from minor offenses to violent crimes.

By the time he reached adulthood, Duan was known to local police as a repeat offender. His early experiences — marked by loneliness, instability, and escalating criminal activity — would eventually culminate in one of the most disturbing series of murders in Wuhan’s modern history.

Between 1999 and 2001, Duan Guocheng embarked on a series of violent crimes in Wuhan, targeting young women, typically in their twenties, who were walking alone at night. His attacks were characterized by robbery, assault, and fatal stabbings, with some victims suffering up to 40 knife wounds. Notably, Duan appeared to select victims wearing red clothing, earning him the monikers "The Red-Dress Killer" and "The Red-Dress Slasher." This pattern incited widespread fear, leading public officials, including Wuhan's mayor, to advise women against wearing red during this period. ​

The first known murder occurred in April 1999, when Duan attacked a 24-year-old university student, inflicting nearly 40 stab wounds. His subsequent victims shared similar profiles and circumstances, leading authorities to recognize a serial killer was at large. Despite heightened security measures and public warnings, Duan continued his assaults until his apprehension in August 2001.

Duan Guocheng was arrested on August 15, 2001, after a thorough investigation by Wuhan police. Investigators matched footprints from multiple crime scenes to shoes found in Duan's residence, leading to his capture. Following his arrest, Duan confessed to the murders of 13 women. He was convicted on 13 counts of murder and sentenced to death on March 14, 2003.

As of the latest available information, Duan Guocheng was sentenced to death in 2003. Specific details regarding the execution date are not publicly documented.​