In February 2023, a tragic arson incident occurred at a private residence in Daxi, Taoyuan. A woman surnamed Deng, upset over a breakup with her female partner, surnamed You, allegedly poured gasoline and set fire to their home, resulting in the death of You’s three-year-old daughter from severe burns and asphyxiation.
According to court documents, 30-year-old You had been living with her infant daughter and 26-year-old Deng in a three-story house in Daxi since September 2020. By late 2022, tensions arose when You reconnected with her daughter’s father, surnamed Liao, who visited the child in January 2023. Deng reportedly became furious, threatening You with statements such as, “I will burn your whole family.”
On January 26, 2023, Deng purchased gasoline at a gas station and poured it on a pillow in the bedroom. When confronted, she allegedly admitted via messaging apps, “Yes, I’m going to blow up your house,” storing the remaining gasoline in a storage room.
The conflict escalated, and You asked Deng to move out. On the morning of February 7, 2023, while You and her daughter were asleep, Deng poured the stored gasoline over them and ignited it. You managed to escape to the bathroom and attempted to rescue her daughter but was allegedly blocked by Deng. The three-year-old suffered second- and third-degree burns over 90% of her body and died from severe burns and asphyxiation. You was also seriously injured, and Deng sustained burns requiring medical treatment.
Deng was charged with domestic violence-related murder and additional threats. In the first trial, the Taoyuan District Court sentenced her to 20 years in prison, plus 59 days’ detention for the threats charge (convertible to a fine). Deng initially appealed but later withdrew her appeal, expressing remorse and willingness to accept responsibility.
The High Court upheld the 20-year sentence after reviewing the prosecution’s appeal. The case was subsequently brought to the Supreme Court, which on November 6 rejected the final appeal, confirming Deng’s sentence.
