A shocking arson-murder case has rocked Taichung’s Wuri District, where a 64-year-old man surnamed Hsu allegedly set fire to his landlady’s home after being told to move out, killing the woman and her 17-year-old daughter.
According to police, the suspect, who had rented a neighboring property for over 20 years, became enraged after the landlady, a 50-year-old woman surnamed Wu, and her husband demanded that he vacate the house. The couple had accused Hsu of harassment — including stalking their home, threatening them with a knife, and stealing the daughter’s undergarments — and had filed a sexual harassment report to police while requesting his eviction.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. yesterday when Hsu allegedly reversed his unlicensed van into the victims’ home before setting it ablaze. The blaze trapped Wu and her daughter inside, both dying in the fire.
Police quickly identified Hsu as the main suspect after reviewing CCTV footage showing his vehicle at the scene and his calm demeanor afterward — removing his gloves and walking away without panic. He was later arrested.
During questioning, Hsu denied committing arson or theft, claiming instead that the dispute stemmed from an insurance issue. He alleged that Wu, who was an insurance agent, refused to process a policy for his cancer-stricken wife and tried to evict his family, saying she “was taking advantage” of him.
However, investigators doubted his explanation, citing his erratic behavior, previous police reports, and the fact that he attempted to commit suicide by turning on the gas after the fire.
Prosecutors have charged Hsu with murder and public endangerment and have requested that he be detained and barred from contact with others pending further investigation.
