Sanchong Triple Murder Case: First-Instance Death Sentence, High Court to Rule on July 9

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. In the triple murder case of a family in Sanchong, New Taipei City, the defendant, surnamed Chang, killed his wife, mother-in-law, and stepson. The first-instance lay judge court sentenced him to death. The High Court held a hearing today, and the victims' families stated that the death penalty is the only acceptable verdict. The second-instance verdict is scheduled for July 9. The case originated from the defendant, then 24, being accused of suffocating his sleeping wife, 69-year-old mother-in-law, and 3-year-old stepson at their home in Sanchong District, New Taipei City, between the night of April 30 and the early morning of May 2, 113 (2024). He then stole his mother-in-law's property and fled to Taichung. Police arrested Chang on the 12th of the same month. The prosecution indicted him for murder and other charges, and the first-instance New Taipei District Court lay judge panel sentenced him to death. Following an appeal, the second instance is being heard by the Taiwan High Court. The High Court held a hearing today. Chang's defense team argued that the first instance violated the principles of direct trial and evidence-based judgment, and that the lay judges were influenced by the authority effect of professional judges, leading to preconceived notions. The lawyers also argued that Chang's crime was not premeditated, did not constitute the most serious crime, and was committed due to a loss of self-control under life difficulties. They claimed he regrets killing his wife and still has the possibility of rehabilitation. Regarding the defense's claim that this was not the most serious crime, the sister of the victim, Ms. Chen, questioned what constitutes the most serious crime, asking, "Does it have to be premeditated to be considered the most serious?" She said the lawyer claimed Chang was remorseful, but he had never apologized to the families, and his attitude had remained the same since the first trial. She hopes the second instance will still sentence him to death, as it is the only acceptable outcome. The victim's cousin said she could not accept the claim that it was not a brutal killing, noting the child was only 3 years old. Regarding the lawyer's claim of rehabilitation, she said, "We live in fear every day, worrying if he will be released early." The attorney for the plaintiffs said Chang's crime meets the requirements for the death penalty, and he even threatened to kill his wife's sister and ex-boyfriend, indicating a high possibility of recidivism. Chang viewed murder as the only way to solve problems, and even after a year in detention, he stated that if he could do it again, he would still kill his mother-in-law. He has shown no remorse and lacks empathy, the attorney added. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun)