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Police identify bodies of couple

In Erlin township, Changhua County, countless curious visitors yesterday gathered around the luxurious home of the Taiwanese entrepreneur Hung Jo-tan, as the high-profile murder case of Hung and his family continues to make headlines nationwide. PHOTO: WANG PEI-LIEN, TAIPEI TIMES

Forensic tests have confirmed that the charred remains of two bodies found inside a furnace in the backyard of Hung Jo-tan's (洪若潭) mansion have been identified as Hung and his wife Yao Pao-yueh (姚寶月).

Late Friday night police completed DNA testing and announced that the remains were confimed as those of Hung, 50, owner of Chung Yuan Enterprise (眾源企業), and Yao, 47.

Police also revealed that the Yao may have been killed before being placed inside the newly installed furnace, as the charred remains of her body showed that she did not put up a struggle before she was cremated. However, police were not sure whether her life was ended -- willingly or unwillingly -- by herself, her husband or even someone else.

In three letters addressed to Hung's younger sister, Hung Yu-yen (洪玉燕), which were found in his bedroom on Wednesday afternoon, he mentioned that he and his wife decided to kill their three children and themselves because of family problems and political chaos in the country.

Hung's oldest son, Hung Chung-fu (洪祟釜), 24, was attending graduate school, his second son Hung Chung-jen (洪崇荏), 23, worked at a factory run by Hung and his daughter Hung Meng-yu (洪孟瑜), 19, was attending college. All three are missing.

According to local media, a picture of the three children was found yesterday afternoon when police were digging up a charred lawn in the backyard of Hung's luxurious home. Police therefore suspected that Hung's three children might have been cremated and their ashes buried there. Officials are still searching for evidence.

Meanwhile, according to police, three bottles of unidentified drinks were found inside the refrigerator at Hung's home, located in Erlin township, Changhua County. Police are currently examining the drinks to find out whether they are mixed with sedatives or poison.

In related news, the bizarre murder case has attracted thou-sands of curious visitors to Erlin township over the past few days, turning Hung's mansion into a popular tourist spot. Local vendors even gathered around the house to sell snacks and betel nuts.
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