TAIWAN (October 18, 2025)— A shocking crime involving a same-sex couple in Hualien has come to light after a 27-year-old woman, surnamed Zhuang, admitted to authorities that her girlfriend had been murdered and her body abandoned.
The case began when Zhuang’s sister noticed unusual spending despite Zhuang not having a job. Suspicious, she took Zhuang to a police station on the afternoon of October 11. Under questioning, Zhuang confessed that she had been accessing her 23-year-old girlfriend Jin’s bank account for over a year. She also revealed that Jin had been killed, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
Police identified the incident location as a rented house on Zhongxiao 2nd Street in Yuli, Hualien. During the investigation, four suspects—including Zhuang—were arrested in Hualien City and Yuli District. Officers discovered a wooden cabinet containing some of Jin’s remains in the mountains near Liushishishan Industrial Road, though only a skull, hand bones, and a rib were recovered, likely due to erosion from rain.
Details of the Crime
Zhuang, who lived in New Taipei City, had met and dated Jin prior to moving together to Shoufeng and later to Yuli District in July of the previous year. They lived with a couple surnamed Yang and Lu. Tensions escalated in August when Lu accused Jin of stealing her phone, leading Lu, Yang, and 25-year-old Chen to assault Jin multiple times using sticks and scout ropes. These attacks ultimately led to Jin’s death. The body was then placed in a wooden cabinet and transported in a pickup truck before being dumped in the mountains.
Investigation and Arrests
Following Zhuang’s report, police formed a special task force. Yang, Lu, Chen, and Zhuang were all arrested for murder and corpse abandonment. Investigators also found six incense sticks at an abandoned house near the scene, which Chen reportedly used to pay respects to Jin after the crime. DNA samples have been collected for identification, and authorities are continuing to search for any remaining remains.
During interrogation, the suspects accused each other of involvement, with Zhuang claiming the other three carried out the attacks, while the other three insisted Zhuang participated. Authorities noted the risk of collusion and flight, prompting prosecutors to request and secure court-approved detention for all four suspects.
Police continue to gather evidence to clarify the full circumstances surrounding the tragic case.