Wrapping up their investigation into the decapitation of a little girl in March, Taipei prosecutors yesterday charged suspect Wang Ching-yu (王景玉) with murder and asked judges for the death sentence.
Officials at the Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office said they are seeking the capital punishment, because Wang had committed extreme cruelty in the murder of the four-year-old, known as “Little Light Bulb.”
They said the “heinous crime” had shocked society, while medical examinations have shown that the suspect is mentally fit to stand trial.
The murder of Little Light Bulb took place on a street in Neihu District (內湖) on March 28, when Wang, carrying a kitchen knife, allegedly grabbed the victim and decapitated her in front of her mother.
The case stoked public fury and led to an outpouring of grief and empathy for the family of the girl. It also added to increasing concern over public safety following a string of random killings in the nation.
Prosecutors said that medical examinations and analyses showed that Wang does not have any psychiatric problems or mental health disorders.
He was not using narcotics and was therefore aware of his actions when he committed the crime, they said.
“Wang did not express regret nor apologize for the crime, indicating that he has a vile criminal nature, would be difficult to rehabilitate and should be separated permanently from society,” the indictment read.
“Prosecutors have therefore asked judges to hand out the capital punishment and deprive the suspect of his civil rights. By doing so, they can uphold justice and order, maintain respect for the nation’s laws and protect public security,” the indictment said.
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