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Art dealer commits suicide, her artist husband questioned

Prosecutors yesterday released Taiwanese contemporary artist Chang Chih-cheng (張志成) after questioning him about his wife Chen Ling-hui’s (陳綾蕙) suicide.

Chen, an art dealer who made a name for herself in Taiwan by successfully marketing artworks and artists, was found dead on Saturday at her home on Taipei’s Anhe Road.

Initial police reports indicate that she died from burning charcoal in her bedroom, with the door sealed tightly with tape to prevent toxic gas from escaping.

SEPARATE ROOMS

Chang said because his wife needed to sleep in an air-­conditioned room, she slept alone in the bedroom while he slept in the living room.

He said he did not realize she was dead until he woke up the next morning.

Investigators found a suicide note signed by the art dealer and her husband.

The note said “we are tired” and included instructions for donating organs to patients who need them.

EVIDENCE

Taipei District prosecutors became suspicious of Chang after they found evidence that indicated Chang bought the coal his wife used to kill herself.

Prosecutors also said evidence suggests Chang may have sealed the bedroom door.

Prosecutors suspect that Chang may have assisted Chen in committing suicide, a felony that punishable by up to seven years in prison.

CRIME

Assisting a suicide is considered a crime even if the person who assisted with the suicide was explicitly asked to do so by the person who died.

Prosecutors said Chang admitted the couple was under heavy financial pressure and Chang already knew his wife was considering suicide before the incident.

Although prosecutors released Chang after questioning him, they have placed restrictions on his movements.
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