A horrifying double murder case in Taiwan has sparked nationwide outrage after a man allegedly killed his estranged wife and her younger sister following a family court session. The incident took place on 7 July 2025 in New Taipei, just hours after the couple had appeared in court over a domestic violence-related restraining order.
The suspect, a 46-year-old man surnamed Hsieh, is believed to have stalked the victims after the court proceedings. His wife, a 42-year-old woman surnamed Chang, had previously filed for protection following repeated incidents of abuse during their marriage. Tragically, the legal system failed to keep her safe.
Hsieh allegedly used his car to ram the scooter that Chang and her 33-year-old sister were riding on before exiting his vehicle with a large knife and a metal baton. He then proceeded to stab both women to death on the roadside in broad daylight.
Restraining Order Ignored, Abuse History Documented
Court records show that Chang had applied for a restraining order in May due to ongoing physical and psychological abuse. Despite being barred from approaching her, Hsieh reportedly violated the order multiple times. In one instance, he was arrested after showing up at Chang’s home to collect his belongings and behaving aggressively — yet he was released on bail.
On the day of the murder, Hsieh is said to have followed the two women home from court. After crashing into their scooter, he attacked them without hesitation. Passers-by attempted to intervene, but by the time emergency services arrived, both women had succumbed to their injuries.
A dashboard camera from a nearby vehicle captured the entire scene, and the footage has since gone viral on Taiwanese social media, fuelling public anger over failures in enforcing protective orders.
Suspect Confesses on Facebook, Later Surrenders
In a chilling twist, Hsieh allegedly confessed to the murders on his Facebook page shortly after the crime. He even directed a message to his brother-in-law, saying, “I’ve already killed your wife,” and noted that police were closing in on him. The suspect eventually surrendered at Shengang Police Station.
Authorities later recovered the murder weapons — a bloodied kitchen knife and a metal baton — discarded along a highway. A full autopsy report on the victims is expected soon, though early reports indicate both women suffered multiple fatal stab wounds.
Public Outcry Over Domestic Violence and Legal Failures
The father of the two sisters was inconsolable after the news broke, telling local media, “That heartless man took both of my daughters from me. What am I supposed to do now?”
This tragedy has reignited conversations about Taiwan’s legal handling of domestic violence cases. Critics argue that restraining orders, while well-intentioned, lack effective enforcement and often fail to protect victims from determined abusers.
With family violence cases rising globally, this heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences when protective systems fall short. Advocates are calling for urgent legal reforms and stronger support structures for victims of abuse.