TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A suspect arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Lin Shih-chieh (林士傑) was released from jail on Saturday (July 13), after prosecutors determined there is not enough evidence to link the man to the murder.
The 27-year-old man, surnamed Chang (張), was initially arrested on Friday (July 12) in Kaohsiung, after his fingerprints were found on a facemask in an abandoned vehicle presumed to have been used by the masked shooter who killed Lin on July 8. After interrogation in Tainan, prosecutors said that Chang is no longer the primary suspect in the murder of the Lin and another man is being sought, reported UDN.
Prosecutors still believe that Chang is an acquaintance of the killer, and he has been ordered to remain on house arrest and is forbidden from leaving the country. Chang maintained his innocence and told investigators that he sold the vehicle to another man over a year ago.
Prosecutors questioned why Chang’s facemask was found between the seats of the car, if it had been sold over a year ago. They believe Chang may still have information on the vehicle’s owner and he remains a suspect in the case.
The Tainan Police Department gave a press conference on Sunday (July 14) to provide updates on the investigation. Captain Chang Wen-yuan (張文源), who is heading the investigation, said that a new prime suspect has been identified, but it is understood that he has already fled the country, reported UDN.
Police also interrogated a former associate of Lin Shih-chieh, also surnamed Lin, who may have information related to the motive of the killer. The investigation is ongoing.
