Woman found dead in New Taipei City apartment; boyfriend arrested amid suspected drug use
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Police in New Taipei City's Xinzhuang district responded to a welfare check after neighbors reported a prolonged lack of activity and strange noises from an apartment.
- Upon entering the unit, officers discovered a deceased woman on the bed and what appeared to be drug powder on a table.
- The woman's boyfriend, found in a state of confusion and unable to clearly communicate, was arrested on suspicion of drug offenses, while the exact cause of death is under investigation.
Authorities in New Taipei City's Xinzhuang district are investigating a suspicious death after responding to a welfare check at an apartment where neighbors reported unusual sounds and a prolonged lack of activity. The situation took a grim turn when police entered the residence.
Officers arrived at the apartment on Longan Street following the neighbors' concerns. A 27-year-old man, identified as Hong, answered the door but appeared disoriented and had difficulty speaking coherently. The officers immediately noticed a foul odor emanating from the apartment, raising suspicions of foul play.
Upon entering the rental unit, police discovered a 27-year-old woman, identified as Zhao, lying motionless on the bed. Nearby, on a table, officers found a substance suspected to be illegal drugs. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and confirmed that Zhao had no vital signs and was deceased.
The police immediately notified the fire department's rescue personnel to assist. After preliminary examination, it was confirmed that Ms. Zhao had no signs of life and was clearly dead.
Initial reports indicate that Hong and Zhao were in a cohabiting relationship. Hong's confused state and inability to provide a clear account of events led police to suspect his involvement. The scene was secured for forensic investigation, and evidence, including the suspected drugs and Hong's mobile phone, was collected.
While Zhao showed no obvious external injuries, the exact cause of her death remains undetermined pending an autopsy. Hong was arrested and is being processed on drug-related charges. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding Zhao's death and the events that transpired within the apartment.
Hong, facing police questioning, was extremely unstable and could not clearly state the relevant case details, his erratic behavior made the police suspect he was heavily involved.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.