Brother convicted in Taiwan 'pickled head' murder case | Inquirer News

Brother convicted in Taiwan ‘pickled head’ murder case

/ 02:04 PM June 30, 2014

TAIPEI — A court in southern Taiwan Monday handed a life sentence to a man who murdered his sister and pickled her head in a gruesome crime that shocked the island.

Chen Chia-fu, 38, was taken into custody in March last year on suspicion of murdering and dismembering his sister for an insurance payout.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty as he showed no remorse but in their sentencing the judges took into consideration his “abnormal” family background.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The suspect had had no criminal record. He grew up in a family with violence and family members with mental disorders. It was the root of his distorted personality,” a spokesman in the Chiayi district court said, reading a court paper during a press conference.

FEATURED STORIES

The “pickled head case” came to light after police in Chiayi county received a note claiming that the body of the woman, who had been missing since December 2012, was in a public toilet near a temple and asking for a “proper burial” for her.

The note, which led to the discovery of her head, became critical evidence as the writing matched Chen’s, prosecutors said. The rest of the victim’s body has yet to be located.

Article continues after this advertisement

Chen was arrested after police found surveillance footage showing him with bags carrying unidentified objects in Chiayi, they said.

Article continues after this advertisement

He was also found to have bought at least four insurance policies for the 36-year-old woman, they said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The police suspected Chen of taking a train from Taipei, where the siblings lived, to southern Taiwan possibly to dispose of her head in a secure location.

Chen, who had pleaded not guilty, would appeal, local media said.

Article continues after this advertisement

RELATED STORIES

Pakistan cannibal brothers get 11-year jail term 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

‘Possessed’ maid in Malaysia eats employer’s pet kitten 
 

TAGS: Crime, Murder, Taiwan

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.