Man arrested on suspicion of murdering ex-girlfriend

Taipei, July 31 (CNA) A man was arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of murdering his ex-girlfriend in a Taipei underground parking lot the previous evening, according to Taipei police.

The 21-year-old man, surnamed Liu (劉), will be transferred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of homicide and violating the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, police told a news conference.

According to surveillance footage, on Wednesday evening, Liu hid in the parking lot in Taipei's Xinyi District and waited for the victim, a 27-year-old woman surnamed Ku (谷). When she arrived, the two got into an argument, after which Liu dragged her into a stairwell that was not covered by security cameras, police said.

He then used a switchblade to attack Ku, inflicting around 10 wounds to her neck and abdomen.

After the attack, Liu returned the rental car and rode his motorcycle to his grandfather's house in Yilan County, discarding the murder weapon along the way, police said.

Police tracked him down using surveillance footage and arrested him at around 1 a.m. Thursday.

According to police, Liu confessed to killing Ku following his arrest.

Ku was discovered by passersby who reported to the police at around 8:46 p.m. that evening, but efforts to resuscitate her failed.

According to investigations, Liu and Ku were colleagues at a nightclub and a cohabiting couple. Ku had filed a restraining order against Liu on May 15, which was issued on July 28.

Taipei City's Department of Social Welfare said Thursday that it had actively assisted Ku to obtain the restraining order in May and discussed safety plans with her.

The department said it would now proactively reach out to Ku's family and assist with legal counseling and funeral affairs.

Also on Thursday, Deputy Health and Welfare Minister Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) told the press that, in addition to restraining orders, victims of domestic abuse can also apply for protective placement to stay away from their abusers.

She noted that research has shown victims often already face escalated danger when seeking help or applying for restraining orders.