TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Authorities in Kaohsiung are investigating the suspected murder and dismemberment of a 71-year-old woman whose suspected remains were discovered in Qianzhen Canal.
Police have recovered a severed left foot and other human tissue, which are undergoing forensic examination to confirm their connection to the case. A 73-year-old suspect surnamed Chang (張) remains in custody but denies any involvement in the crime, CNA and UDN reported.
Surveillance footage revealed that the victim, identified as Chao (趙), rode her scooter to Chang’s residence in Qianzhen District around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. She was never seen leaving.
The following morning, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Chang was seen making 12 trips outside. Five of the trips involved carrying black garbage bags to the canal before returning home with empty ones.
Authorities suspect these bags were used to dispose of body parts.
Chao’s family reported her missing Monday morning after she failed to return home the previous night. Initially treated as a routine missing person’s case, the investigation took a more serious turn as time passed without any sign of her.
Police escalated the case to an emergency search operation on Tuesday. When officers visited Chang’s home that night, they did not find immediate evidence.
After Kaohsiung District Prosecutors took over the investigation on Wednesday, police obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended Chang in Qianzhen at 8:50 p.m. Subsequent forensic examination of Chang's residence revealed bloodstains on the walls, floors, and towels, suggesting a potential crime had taken place.
On Thursday, police divers searching the canal recovered additional human remains. Overnight forensic analysis confirmed that the DNA matched the blood found inside Chang’s residence.
Chang has since been transferred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office, where he faces homicide charges. Prosecutors, citing the seriousness of the case and the unresolved questions surrounding it, have requested that he be held incommunicado.
The Kaohsiung District Court is set to hold a detention hearing on Friday morning. Investigators are working to uncover further details surrounding the case.
