Suspect Arrested in Hualien Teacher's Death: A Tragedy in Taiwan

Police in Taiwan Apprehend Man After Junior High School Teacher Found Dead in Church Dormitory

Taipei, May 18 – In a somber turn of events, a man suspected in the death of a female junior high school teacher in Hualien County, Taiwan, has been arrested. The arrest occurred on Sunday at noon, as the individual, identified as surnamed Liu (劉), was attempting suicide.

Local authorities intervened just in time, preventing Liu (劉) from harming himself in a coastal area. He is now in custody and being questioned in connection to the teacher's death.

The investigation began following the discovery of the teacher's body in a dormitory room within a local church. The Hualien County Police Bureau's Xincheng Precinct responded to a report on Saturday afternoon. The body was found with visible contusions around the neck.

A dedicated police task force, operating under the guidance of the local prosecutors' office, was immediately established to investigate the death of the teacher, surnamed Tsai (蔡). Investigators have been meticulously reviewing surveillance footage from the vicinity of the church dormitory.

According to a churchgoer, surnamed Wu (吳), fellow members of the congregation alerted the police after receiving a concerning message in a LINE chat group, stating that a "female teacher was murdered." The message originated from the victim's phone, prompting concern and the subsequent search.

Police investigations revealed that Liu (劉) had previously pursued and allegedly sexually harassed the teacher, making him a prime suspect. The teacher had been residing in the church dormitory after starting her teaching position at a school in Xincheng Township between August and September of the previous year.

The school's principal told CNA that Tsai (蔡) was a dedicated and excellent educator. The school community is preparing to offer counseling services to teachers and students, who are expected to be deeply affected by this tragic news.