October 9, 2025 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan
A 41-year-old man surnamed Huang from Kaohsiung was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison after attacking an elderly man at Weiwuying Metropolitan Park while under the influence of methamphetamine.
According to the Kaohsiung District Court’s verdict, the incident occurred on August 26, 2017. Huang, who had taken methamphetamine earlier that day, rode his motorcycle to the park where he noticed an 80-year-old man surnamed Zheng parking his motorcycle. Huang approached the man under the pretense of asking for a lighter, and when the victim replied that he did not have one, Huang suddenly attacked him with a nail puller and an axe.
The assault left Zheng with a fractured skull and severe scalp lacerations. Despite his injuries, he survived after receiving emergency medical treatment. Huang fled the scene but later contacted police and assisted in getting the victim to the hospital.
Authorities arrested Huang at his residence, where tests confirmed high levels of amphetamines in his system. During questioning, Huang claimed that he had been hallucinating and believed the elderly man was trying to harm him. He denied any intent to kill, and his defense argued that the attack was a result of drug-induced delusions and impaired judgment.
However, the Kaohsiung District Court ruled that the attack demonstrated clear lethal intent, citing surveillance footage, medical evidence, and witness statements showing that Huang targeted the victim’s head with deadly weapons. The court concluded that Huang bore full criminal responsibility for his actions.
Although a psychological evaluation showed that Huang’s long-term drug use had caused mental illness, the court determined that his condition resulted from voluntary drug abuse. The ruling stated that Huang “intentionally took drugs and fell into a mental disorder,” making him accountable for the consequences of his actions.
The court described Huang’s assault as “brutal and dangerous,” sentencing him to two years and ten months in prison for attempted murder and driving under the influence of illegal drugs. The decision remains subject to appeal.