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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Taiwan Court Hears Case of Man Accused in Pregnant Girlfriend's Death Pact

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified In the courts
  • A man in Taiwan is on trial for allegedly agreeing to a suicide pact with his pregnant girlfriend, resulting in her death and that of their unborn child.
  • The man, who has a history of gambling debt and addiction, claims he did not know his girlfriend was pregnant at the time.
  • The girlfriend's family disputes his claim, presenting evidence they say proves he was aware of the pregnancy, and they are seeking a heavier sentence.

A man in Taiwan faces a potential prison sentence after allegedly participating in a suicide pact that led to the death of his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child. The incident occurred in December 2024 in New Taipei City's Sanchong District. The 40-something man, identified by the surname Wu, is accused of agreeing to end their lives together after his girlfriend, surnamed Lu, incurred significant debt and expressed suicidal thoughts.

Did one not have to repay money if one died?

— Lu (girlfriend)A text message sent to Wu, indicating her suicidal thoughts related to debt.

Court documents reveal that Lu had messaged Wu asking if one would still owe money if they were dead. Wu, instead of seeking help or informing her family, allegedly replied with a message arranging their joint suicide. The couple sealed their rented apartment's windows and doors, intending to die. Police discovered Lu's body days later, after her sister reported her missing. She was found deceased, along with the fetus she was carrying. Wu was rescued and survived.

Wu, who previously worked as a chef earning around NT$80,000 monthly, reportedly fell into heavy gambling debt, requiring Lu to take out loans to cover their living expenses. He also has prior convictions for drunk driving and theft. While a psychiatric evaluation indicated he suffers from alcohol use disorder, gambling addiction, and antisocial personality disorder, and he admitted to the charges during the trial, he has not reached a settlement with Lu's family. They are demanding a severe sentence, citing his disrespect for life and questioning his claim of ignorance regarding the pregnancy.

I was not aware that she was pregnant at the time.

— Wu (defendant)His statement during the trial denying knowledge of his girlfriend's pregnancy.

Wu is appealing his initial four-and-a-half-year sentence from the New Taipei District Court, with his lawyer arguing he lacks the financial means for a settlement but is willing to compensate the family. The defense also suggested Lu had her own suicidal ideations. However, Lu's family vehemently disputes Wu's assertion that he was unaware of the pregnancy, presenting text message records as proof. They are urging the High Court to uphold the original sentence. The verdict is scheduled for August 11.

Wu's text message records with Lu can prove that Wu knew Lu was pregnant.

— Lu's familyChallenging the defendant's claim of ignorance about the pregnancy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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