Vietnamese Migrant Workers Brawl After Drinking, One Dead; Autopsy Scheduled, Suspect Detained by Chiayi Court

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Huang Kuo-chang, Chiayi City, April 14) A fatal brawl occurred yesterday in Liujiao Township, Chiayi County, involving Vietnamese migrant workers under the influence of alcohol. A male worker surnamed Nguyen sustained a penetrating chest wound and died after being rushed to hospital. Prosecutors and police conducted an on-site autopsy today and scheduled a full autopsy for tomorrow to clarify the cause of death. The suspect, also surnamed Nguyen and suspected of murder, was arrested and the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office successfully requested pre-trial detention from the Chiayi District Court.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office stated that prosecutors and police conducted a joint forensic examination today. The 34-year-old deceased suffered sharp instrument injuries to his right upper arm, central back, and left side of the back. Multiple contusions and defensive wounds were found on both upper limbs. A full autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning to determine the exact cause of death.

According to prosecutors and police, the deceased Nguyen and three other compatriots visited a fellow Vietnamese worker in Liujiao Township for a drinking session. The gathering began amicably, but ended in conflict over a minor issue in the early hours of yesterday. Later, Nguyen allegedly attacked another Vietnamese worker with a hammer. Upon learning his younger brother had been injured, the 35-year-old brother, also surnamed Nguyen, entered the house armed with a cleaver to confront the attacker.

The suspect claimed he acted in self-defense, stating that the victim struck his forehead with a hammer, prompting him to draw the knife and slash back. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds to the right shoulder, back, and left side, one of which was approximately 7 centimeters deep and caused pneumothorax.

The injured suspect was taken by friends to a convenience store in Beigang Township, Yunlin County, where they requested help from local police and was first treated at a local hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead early yesterday morning.

After receiving the report, police arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect for murder, along with two others who assisted. Three knives and one hammer believed to be used in the incident were seized as evidence. After questioning, all suspects were transferred to the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of murder and related charges.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office stated that after a review last night, considering witness statements and surveillance footage, they concluded the suspect's involvement in murder was highly probable. A detention order was requested from the Chiayi District Court. As it was nighttime, no hearing was held, and the court ruled this morning to approve detention without visitation restrictions. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150714

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