The High Court today reduced the sentence for Chen Po-yan (陳柏諺) for the 2022 murder of a Malaysian student from life imprisonment to 18 years and 10 months.
In the case’s third trial, the court determined that his confession qualified for leniency and a reduced sentence, although the ruling can be appealed.
In the first trial at Shilin District Court, Chen pleaded not guilty and was handed a life sentence, which was upheld in an appeal at the High Court, despite Chen’s later confession of guilt.
Photo: Yang Kuo-wen, Taipei Times
The High Court found that Chen’s confession did not qualify him for a reduced sentence.
Both courts also rejected a request by prosecutors to impose the death sentence.
However, the Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s initial ruling and sent the case back for a retrial at the High Court.
The victim, a Malaysian woman surnamed Chai (蔡), was 24 years old at the time of her death and a student at a Taipei university.
Chen first contacted Chai on Instagram in April 2022, then again on Oct. 3, after which their communication became more frequent.
He subsequently invited her to dinner on Oct. 7, following which he visited her rented accommodation multiple times.
On Oct. 13, Chen demanded Chai repay the NT$99,999 that he had lent her, and when she refused, he strangled and smothered her face with a pillow, causing her to suffocate to death.
Chen then attempted suicide, and as police and firefighters were reviving him, he confessed to the crime.
In the first trial, Chen pleaded not guilty and stated he had killed Chai at her request in a “joint suicide” attempt, requesting to be exempted from punishment.
The court ruled that Chen’s explanation did not contain genuine remorse and that the murder was the result of a monetary dispute.
In the second trial at the High Court in June last year, Chen pleaded guilty and sought a lighter sentence, although his offer of reconciliation with the family was rejected.
During today’s retrial, Chen expressed his love for the victim and stated to the court “I love her” and “I miss her,” asking the court for a second chance.
The retrial found that Chen made a confession and showed remorse, reducing his sentence to 18 years and 10 months.
Following the verdict, Chen smiled and pressed his palms together as he thanked the three judges.
On leaving the courthouse, Chen did not respond to media questions on whether he was pleased with the verdict and if he would appeal.
Lawyers representing Chai's family said they were not satisfied with the court's decision and would notify the prosecutors they would launch an appeal.
Additional reporting by Yang Kuo-wen
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