Taichung City, Taiwan — February 1, 2026 — A tragic incident unfolded in Taichung’s West District early Sunday morning after two young children were found dead in an apartment on Xiangshang Road, authorities said.
Police said a 31-year-old woman surnamed Chen was discovered in the apartment with her two sons, aged three and eight, both lying unresponsive on a bed. Emergency responders found that the children had no vital signs and rushed them to hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
The case came to light after a close female friend of Chen became alarmed during a phone conversation that lasted more than an hour in the early hours of the morning. According to police, Chen appeared emotionally distressed and allegedly expressed extreme thoughts about ending her life and taking her children with her. The friend immediately contacted police and rushed to Chen’s residence, but arrived too late to prevent the tragedy.
During police questioning, Chen reportedly gave vague and inconsistent responses, repeatedly saying she did not remember what had happened and declining to answer questions about whether medication had been given to the children or where any substances may have come from. Investigators found no signs of a struggle or external force at the scene.
Based on preliminary findings, police believe Chen may have administered an unknown substance to the children before attempting to harm herself. She was taken into custody and transferred to prosecutors on suspicion of intentionally causing the deaths of minors. Chen has since been ordered detained for further investigation.
Prosecutors from the Taichung District Prosecutors Office conducted an initial examination of the bodies on Sunday afternoon, with both Chen’s former husband and her current boyfriend present. Authorities said an autopsy and toxicology tests will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators learned that Chen was unemployed and had been living in the apartment with her current boyfriend. The two children were born from different relationships, one with her former husband and the other with her current partner. Neighbors described Chen as attentive, noting that she was often seen taking her older child to and from school.
Sources said Chen had been experiencing emotional distress in recent weeks and had posted negative messages on social media. Both her friend and boyfriend were reportedly aware of her unstable emotional state and had tried to offer support. Following the incident, Chen became highly agitated and was restrained by police and firefighters before being forcibly taken to hospital for medical evaluation.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities await forensic and toxicology results.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available in Taiwan through the Lifeline at 1995, the 1925 Suicide Prevention Hotline, or the 113 Women and Children Protection Hotline.