Actor Li Wei's Probationary Sentence for Jing She Murder Case Finalized; Prosecution Appeals Li's Wife's Sentence, Court Hearing Set

(CNA, Taipei, July 2nd) Actor Li Wei and his wife Chien Yu-chia were accused in the Jing She murder case in Taipei, each sentenced to 1 year and 10 months, and 1 year and 8 months respectively, with both receiving 5 years of probation. Li Wei's sentence is final as no appeal was filed. The prosecution has appealed the sentence for Chien Yu-chia. The High Court, after extending the detention of the main suspect Wang Yun, will hold a hearing on the 6th.

The case began when the Taipei police received a report on July 24, 113 (2024) from the female abbot of Jing She, stating that a female believer was found collapsed inside the temple on Siwei Road. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the female believer, identified as Ms. Tsai, covered in bruises and without vital signs. An autopsy determined that Ms. Tsai died from rhabdomyolysis.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Wang Yun (real name Wang Jiang-zhen), actor Li Wei, and 13 other defendants on charges including causing death by assault, coercion, and aiding and abetting causing death by assault. The first trial at the Taipei District Court, held in May, sentenced Wang Yun to 12 years in prison for causing death by assault. Actor Li Wei and his wife Chien Yu-chia were sentenced to 1 year and 10 months, and 1 year and 8 months respectively, with both receiving 5 years of probation, for aiding and abetting causing death by assault. The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from 1 year and 6 months to 10 years.

According to the first trial's verdict, Wang Yun initiated a "seminar" for Ms. Tsai, citing her alleged negligence in handling litigation concerning the division of marital property. Despite Ms. Tsai expressing remorse, kneeling and kowtowing to the abbot Wu Hui-chu, and shaving her head to become a nun, Wang Yun deemed it insufficient and proceeded with the "seminar" for Ms. Tsai at the Shuiyue Caotang. During this period, Ms. Tsai was repeatedly struck and beaten by believers, causing her to lose consciousness. The group delayed calling an ambulance for an extended period. However, as Ms. Tsai had no vital signs, she was not transported, leading to her death. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150702

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