Public prosecutors in Changhua County yesterday requested severe punishments for two men who allegedly attacked a pet store worker with blunt weapons, using a machete to cut off the victim’s right arm.
The incident took place in Changhua County’s Yuanlin City (員林) in June when two 19-year-old men, surnamed Chang (張) and Chen (陳), were allegedly paid and instructed to carry out the assault by someone who had prior disputes with the victim surnamed Lin (林), the indictment said.
CCTV
The in-store surveillance cameras recorded the attack, and showed the duo had entered the store on June 25, pretending to buy a pet dog.
The duo allegedly first aimed pepper spray at Lin’s face when inside the store. Chang then took a machete while Chen repeatedly struck Lin with a hammer, causing him to lose consciousness.
Chang then allegedly grasped Lin’s right arm and told Chen to hack off the arm below the elbow, which he did with the machete, before Lin regained his senses due to the severe pain and cried out in agony, Changhua Prosecutor Cheng Wen-cheng (鄭文正) said.
HOSPITAL
When receiving emergency treatment at hospital, Lin suffered shock due to massive bleeding, and medics had to amputate the front right arm. He also sustained serious head injuries from a skull fracture, multiple lacerations, and cuts to the head and arms.
When questioned, the duo denied any involvement, refused to cooperate with the authorities, and showed no remorse for their crime, Cheng said.
Prosecutors indicted Chang and Chen on charges of attempted homicide, assault in causing bodily harm, intimidation, and destruction of property. Prosecutors asked for severe terms, citing the cruelty and vicious nature of the crime.
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