A 26-year-old man in Taiwan has been charged with multiple offences, including rape and murder, following the death of a 29-year-old teacher in Hualien County. The incident, investigators say, stemmed from the suspect’s repeated harassment and rejection by the victim.
The teacher, surnamed Tsai, was found dead on May 17, 2025, in a rental room of a church dormitory where she had been living since 2024. Church members were alerted when a message sent from Tsai’s phone warned that a female teacher had been murdered. Police reported that Tsai suffered strangulation marks, a blunt force wound to the head, and her clothing had been disturbed, suggesting a violent struggle, Taipei Times reported.
CCTV footage helped authorities identify a suspect, surnamed Liu, who was later arrested while attempting to hang himself in nearby woods. Police investigations revealed Liu had previously pursued and sexually harassed Tsai and may have been motivated by her repeated rejections and eventual blocking of his messages on LINE.
INVESTIGATION AND COURT PROCEEDINGS
During questioning, Liu confessed to the murder but denied sexually assaulting Tsai. Prosecutors, however, alleged that he had broken into her room on May 16, raped her while she resisted, and then strangled her to death. He also reportedly stole several personal items, including her phone, tablet, and laptop. The next morning, Liu allegedly washed his clothes in an attempt to remove evidence.
Authorities are pursuing charges including trespassing, murder, sexual assault with intent to kill, and robbery. The prosecution has presented the case to court, with hearings commencing on September 4.
SUSPECT BACKGROUND AND VICTIM IMPACT
Police described Liu as emotionally unstable and mute, having been raised by his grandparents. Previous reports indicated he had assaulted his grandmother, which came to light through social welfare interviews. Liu and Tsai had met through church activities, where he expressed repeated romantic interest in her.
Tsai, who moved from Tainan County to teach in Hualien in August 2024, was praised by her school principal as a dedicated and highly competent educator. Her students reportedly reacted with grief upon learning of her death, underscoring the tragic loss to the community.