A 36-year-old man in New Taipei City, Taiwan, has been arrested for allegedly killing his elderly parents at their home, with police confirming that the crime was premeditated.
The suspect, identified as Liao Congxian (transliteration), is accused of murdering his 67-year-old father and 75-year-old mother on Jan 17. The case only came to light the following day when the victims’ bodies were discovered.
Police said they launched a special task force immediately after receiving the report and conducted an intensive manhunt that lasted more than 27 hours. Liao was eventually arrested on the evening of Jan 19 at around 6pm.
According to investigators, Liao allegedly confessed that he had harboured resentment towards his parents for years, claiming he was frequently beaten and scolded throughout his childhood. He reportedly told police that he had long intended to kill them, and had deliberately purchased a knife before carrying out the attack at home.
The case was uncovered after the victims’ cousin, surnamed Chen, became concerned when repeated attempts to contact Liao failed. On the afternoon of Jan 18, she went to the residence to check on them.
While standing outside the house, she called Liao’s phone and heard it ringing inside, but no one answered. Sensing something was wrong, she alerted the police.
Officers later forced entry with the help of a locksmith and discovered both elderly victims lying motionless in the living room, with large amounts of blood found at the scene. Both were pronounced dead on the spot.
Police investigations are ongoing.
