Taipei: A man was arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of murdering his ex-girlfriend in a Taipei underground parking lot the previous evening, according to Taipei police. The 21-year-old man, surnamed Liu, will be transferred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of homicide and violating the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, police told a news conference.

According to Focus Taiwan, surveillance footage revealed that on Wednesday evening, Liu hid in the parking lot in Taipei’s Xinyi District and waited for the victim, a 27-year-old woman surnamed Ku. When she arrived, an argument ensued, leading to Liu dragging her into a stairwell that was not covered by security cameras. Police reported that Liu then used a switchblade to attack Ku, causing approximately 10 wounds to her neck and abdomen.

After committing the attack, Liu returned the rental car and traveled to his grandfather’s house in Yilan County, discarding the murder weapon along his route. Police were able
to track him down using surveillance footage and arrested him at around 1 a.m. Thursday. Liu confessed to killing Ku following his arrest, according to police.

Ku was discovered by passersby who alerted the authorities at around 8:46 p.m. that evening. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she succumbed to her injuries. Investigations revealed that Liu and Ku were colleagues at a nightclub and had been living together as a couple. Ku had previously filed a restraining order against Liu on May 15, which was issued on July 28.

Taipei City’s Department of Social Welfare stated on Thursday that it had actively assisted Ku in obtaining the restraining order in May and had discussed safety plans with her. The department now plans to proactively reach out to Ku’s family to offer legal counseling and assistance with funeral arrangements.

Also on Thursday, Deputy Health and Welfare Minister Lin Ching-yi emphasized to the press that, besides restraining orders, victims of domestic abuse can apply for protective placem
ent to distance themselves from their abusers. She highlighted research indicating that victims often face increased danger when seeking help or applying for restraining orders.