Killing of Yang Cheng-hsun

Killing of Yang Cheng-hsun
LocationTucheng District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China[1]
DateDecember 25, 2023
Noon[2] (National Standard Time)
Attack type
Stabbing
WeaponsSwitchblade
VictimYang Cheng-hsun[2][3]
PerpetratorsGuo and Lin[2]
MotiveGuo seeking revenge for his "sworn sister" Lin
AccusedGuo and Lin[2]
ChargesHomicide
Convictions12 years imprisonment (Guo), 11 years imprisonment (Lin)

On December 25, 2023, a fatal stabbing occurred at a junior high school in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (Republic of China). A ninth-grade student, identified by the surname Guo, attacked a ninth-grade student Yang Cheng-hsun (Chinese: 楊承勳) from a neighboring class with a switchblade. Yang was stabbed ten times and later died from his injuries.

Incident

On December 25, 2023, during the noon lunch break,[4] a female student surnamed Lin went to the classroom of a male student surnamed Yang to speak with another female classmate. When Lin left the classroom, she reportedly slammed the door forcefully, prompting Yang to remind her to be more careful with school property.[5] Upset by the remark, Lin returned to her own class and sought support from her "sworn brother", a male student surenamed Guo, along with other classmates.[6]

Guo and several students then confronted Yang, and the situation escalated from a verbal dispute into a physical altercation.[4] During the confrontation, Guo produced a concealed switchblade and attacked Yang,[7][8] stabbing him in the neck and chest. The wounds caused severe blood loss, and Yang lost consciousness[note 1].[5][9]

When paramedics arrived, Yang was found to be unresponsive, without breathing or a pulse, as a result of massive blood loss. He was transported to Far Eastern Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.[5] Hospital staff placed him on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and performed emergency surgery.[10] Although Yang briefly regained vital signs during treatment,[5][11] he was pronounced dead on the evening of December 26[note 2].[12]

The Education Department of the New Taipei City Government confirmed Yang's death on the morning of December 27.[13][14][15]

Investigation

The Tucheng Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department brought Guo and the alleged instigator Lin for questioning. At approximately 11:00 p.m. on December 25, 2023, both were transferred to the Juvenile Court of the New Taipei District Court on suspicion of attempted murder.[2][16] Following a hearing, the court ordered that Guo be placed in detention, while Lin was released into the custody of her legal guardian.[2][5][16]

After Yang was pronounced dead on December 26, media reports indicated that prosecutors intended to upgrade Guo's charge from attempted murder to homicide; however, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office denied this claim.[17] Suspecting that Lin had used a mobile phone to collude with witnesses, police sought a summons and search warrant from the New Taipei District Court, but the requests were denied on two occasions.[18] On January 4, 2024, following media coverage, Lin voluntarily appeared at a police station accompanied by legal counsel to provide a statement. On January 8, the Juvenile Court ordered Lin to be placed in detention.[19]

On March 21, 2024, the Juvenile Court ruled to transfer both Guo and Lin to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further investigation.[20] On April 12, prosecutors applied for detention incommunicado, citing concerns that the suspects posed risks of evidence destruction, collusion, or flight, and noting that the alleged offenses carried minimum sentences exceeding five years’ imprisonment. The Juvenile Court approved the request.[21]

On May 9, prosecutors formally indicted Lin and Guo on charges of homicide. The Prosecutors Office stated that, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act and related regulations, no press release, indictment documents, or further case details would be made public.[22] On the morning of May 14, both defendants, along with their case files, were transferred to the Juvenile Court for trial, where the court ordered that they remain detained incommunicado.[23]

Judgment

On the morning of September 30, 2024, the Taiwan New Taipei District Court issued its first-instance verdict, sentencing Guo to nine years' imprisonment and Lin to eight years' imprisonment.[24] The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office stated that it considered the sentences too lenient and announced its intention to appeal.

On December 23, 2025, the Taiwan High Court delivered its second-instance verdict. The appellate panel overturned the lower court’s ruling, convicted both defendants of homicide, and sentenced Guo to 12 years' imprisonment and Lin to 11 years' imprisonment. The judgment remains subject to further appeal. Following the ruling, the victim’s family expressed dissatisfaction, describing the sentences as overly lenient, and staged a protest outside the court criticizing what they viewed as excessive judicial protection of perpetrators.[25]

Reactions

School authorities

The school stated that there was no prior conflict between the perpetrator and the victim and described the incident as an isolated case.[26] On December 26, the school initiated in-class psychological counseling for the two affected classes[27] and relocated them to different classrooms.[28] On December 27, the school announced a temporary suspension of public access to the campus.[29]

Media

According to media reports, the perpetrator Guo had a prior record for assault and had been released from the Taipei Juvenile Detention House in May. Reports also stated that he had brought knives to school on multiple occasions.[13][2] Guo additionally claimed affiliation with the Celestial Way Sun Chapter and the Huashan Gang.[6] Both organizations publicly denied his membership and issued "permanent bans" to distance themselves from him.[30]

Political responses

President Tsai Ing-wen expressed "her deepest condolences to the deceased student and his family".[31]

During the third televised policy presentation of the 2024 Taiwanese presidential election, candidates Lai Ching-te (Democratic Progressive Party), Hou Yu-ih (Kuomintang), and Ko Wen-je (Taiwan People's Party) all commented on the incident.[32][33][34]

Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung stated that he would consider evaluating the need for an increase in school security personnel.[35]

Families of the parties involved

In a statement released through the school, the victim's family expressed firm opposition to the abolition of the death penalty and called on the government to review and amend relevant juvenile justice laws and related measures.[36]

The father of the male defendant, Guo, stated: "I hope my son will be detained and locked up."[37]

The parents of the female defendant, Lin, stated: "Our daughter feels aggrieved; she only went to complain to her 'sworn brother' and did not know it would turn out this way," and added that "she is already reflecting on her actions."[37]

Government agencies

Ministry of Health and Welfare

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that spreading articles, photos, or data regarding the juvenile involved in the slashing violates Article 69 of the "Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act", punishable by a fine between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000.[38]

Education Department, New Taipei City Government

The Education Department dispatched social workers from the Counseling Center to provide psychological counseling to students and homeroom teachers of 12 ninth-grade classes.[27]

Taiwan New Taipei District Court

The Taiwan New Taipei District Court stated that netizens doxxing and posting articles and photos of the involved juveniles on social media platforms like Dcard and PTT violates Article 83 of the "Juvenile Justice Act".[38]

Social organizations

The Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty responded to the incident stating "violence cannot stop violence," and issued three appeals: "severe punishment does not help reduce crime," "maintain the non-public nature of investigations to protect minors," and "emphasize psychological counseling mechanisms".[39]

References

Notes
  1. ↑ There were claims on social media that a classmate was injured while trying to block the knife, but police subsequently clarified that only Yang was sent to the hospital and the blocking incident was an online fabrication.
  2. ↑ Some sources state the ICU emergency treatment lasted 36 hours.
References
  1. ↑ Lin Keng-yu (December 25, 2023). "New Taipei School Stabbing: "School District Teacher" Reveals Grim Situation: Problems in the Area are Serious". Formosa TV News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lin Ying-chen (December 26, 2023). "Throat slashed by switchblade... Family reveals "Prolonged hypoxia resulted in vegetative state" Anger: They have no prior criminal record in the future! Classmates witnessed and cried, needing spiritual calming". Storm.mg. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  3. ↑ 張國樑; 郭怜妤; 林志堅 (August 6, 2026). "新北教育局認定基於公益 公開割頸案受害學生楊承勳姓名". PTS News (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved August 6, 2026.
  4. 1 2 Ku Ching-erh (December 28, 2023). "Lawyer mocks "parents will pay dearly" then exposes side case! IG reveals "smoking together" and packaging white powder". Storm.mg. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Huang Tzu-teng (December 26, 2023). "Junior high student survives throat slashing; Suspect sent to juvenile court for detention, female classmate placed in custody". United Daily News. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Wang Ya-hui (December 27, 2023). "Switchblade attack was stopped! Witness classmate reveals "sworn sister shouted to continue"; In the past she threw eggs and demanded victims to kowtow". TVBS News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  7. ↑ Huang Tzu-teng; Wang Chang-ting (December 27, 2023). "New Taipei junior high student slashed in throat passed away this morning; Stabbed 10 times, every cut fatal". United Daily News. New Taipei. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  8. ↑ Hsu Sheng-lun (December 27, 2023). "Autopsy results released! Junior high student slashed in throat suffered 10 wounds, almost all fatal". Liberty Times. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  9. ↑ Chen Yi-ying (December 27, 2023). "New Taipei junior high student slashed to death! Internet goes crazy over "female classmate in same class injured blocking knife"; Police response reveals truth". Storm.mg. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  10. ↑ Lin Ying-chen (January 8, 2024). "New Taipei junior high student slashed... Emergency situation exposed! Hospital urgently requested hundreds of bags of blood "transfusing 60,000cc" but could not save him". Storm.mg. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  11. ↑ Lin Yi-jung (December 27, 2023). "New Taipei slashed junior high student fought for life for 2 days but could not be saved "Gone to be an angel"... School in grief: Will fully assist with funeral arrangements, who is the accomplice in school violence?". Business Today. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  12. ↑ Li Ting-yu (December 27, 2023). "New Taipei junior high student slashed and died... To avoid triggering trauma, 30 students collectively change classrooms". United Daily News. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "ECMO sustained life for 34 hours! New Taipei junior high student slashed and died; 15-year-old suspect likely to be transferred for homicide". SET News. December 27, 2023. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  14. ↑ Hsu Sheng-lun; Wu Jen-chieh (December 27, 2023). "Victim of throat slashing incident dies after rescue attempts; Student perpetrator not excluded from being charged with homicide". Liberty Times. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  15. ↑ Lai Hsiao-tung (December 27, 2023). "No more pain! New Taipei slashing victim dies; Education Bureau confirms". Liberty Times. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Press Release on the Death of a Junior High School Student in New Taipei City due to Throat Slashing Incident" (Press release) (in Chinese). New Taipei District Court. December 27, 2023. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  17. ↑ Ko Yu-ting (December 27, 2023). "Junior high student stabbed 10 times dies; Suspect to be charged with murder? New Taipei Prosecutors won't confirm". China Times. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  18. ↑ Lin Chun-hung; Liu Chih-yuan (January 4, 2024). "Junior high throat-slashing case: "sworn sister" left free to collude; New Taipei Juvenile Court blasted for inaction". Mirror Media. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  19. ↑ Wang Ting-chuan (January 8, 2024). "Junior high throat-slashing case: New Taipei Juvenile Court changes ruling to detain "sworn sister"". Liberty Times. New Taipei. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Press Release on Juvenile Case No. 326 of 2024, Taiwan New Taipei District Court" (Press release) (in Chinese). Taiwan New Taipei District Court. March 21, 2024. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  21. ↑ Tai Shang-jung; Chuang Chih-sheng (April 12, 2024). "Families of "sworn brother" and "sworn sister" speak out! The children did wrong; Hope they accept punishment and "reflect properly"". New Taipei: ETtoday. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ Chiang Yung-yu (May 10, 2024). "Two minors in junior high throat-slashing case indicted for homicide". United Daily News. New Taipei. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  23. ↑ Chuang Chi-chun (May 14, 2024). "New Taipei junior high throat-slashing case transferred to trial; Juvenile Court rules "sworn brother" and "sworn sister" be detained incommunicado". SET News. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  24. ↑ Kao Hua-chien (September 30, 2024). Fang Pei-ching (ed.). "New Taipei school throat-slashing case: Perpetrator sentenced to 9 years, girl to 8 years" (in Chinese). New Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Archived from the original on October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  25. ↑ Lin Meng-chieh (December 23, 2025). "New Taipei juvenile throat-slashing case second instance verdict! "sworn brother" Guo sentenced to 12 years for homicide, instigator Lin to 11 years". United Daily News. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  26. ↑ Huang Tzu-teng; Liu Yi-hsuan (December 25, 2023). "Junior high student throat-slashing conflict; School: No grudge, isolated incident, please pray for the injured". United Daily News. New Taipei. Archived from the original on January 2, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  27. 1 2 Yang Hui-chi (December 26, 2023). "Slashed junior high student still in danger; Principal: Hope for prayers, counseling starts today". Taipei: ETtoday. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  28. ↑ Huang Tzu-yang (December 27, 2023). "New Taipei slashed student dies; School comforts 30 classmates and changes classroom temporarily". Liberty Times. New Taipei. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  29. ↑ Lin Yi; Chen Chun-wei (December 27, 2023). "Junior high student slashed to death; Frontline teacher predicts killer's future: Endless cycle of reincarnation". China Times. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  30. ↑ Hsieh Wen-che (January 5, 2024). ""sworn brother" bragged after stabbing student; Gangs issue "indefinite ban" to cut ties". Mirror Media. Archived from the original on January 6, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  31. ↑ Chen Yun (December 28, 2023). "Tsai Ing-wen responds to throat-slashing case: Will invite six mayors for meeting next week to strengthen social safety net". Liberty Times. Taipei. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  32. ↑ Wu Sheng-hung (December 28, 2023). Su Lung-chi (ed.). "Ko Wen-je observes silence for throat-slashing case, emphasizes prevention over cure" (in Chinese). Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  33. ↑ Kao Hua-chien (December 28, 2023). Lin Hsing-meng (ed.). "Hou Yu-ih blames himself for the case, advocates treating school bullying as a crime" (in Chinese). Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  34. ↑ Wang Yang-yu (December 28, 2023). Lin Ke-lun (ed.). "Throat-slashing case; Lai Ching-te: Implement Social Safety Net 2.0, amend Student Guidance and Counseling Act" (in Chinese). Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  35. ↑ Lai Yu-chen (December 28, 2023). Lin Shu-yuan (ed.). "Junior high student slashed to death; Pan Wen-chung: Assess increasing school security personnel" (in Chinese). Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  36. ↑ Hsu Chieh-ju (January 3, 2024). "Junior high student slashed; Family speaks out in grief "Oppose abolition of death penalty": I don't believe the wicked can be rehabilitated". Next Apple News. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  37. 1 2 "sworn brother" and "sworn sister" detained by court; Families accompany throughout, speak for first time (in Chinese), April 12, 2024, retrieved April 12, 2024
  38. 1 2 Huang Hsu-sheng; Shen Pei-yao (December 28, 2023). Li Hsi-chang (ed.). "Netizens doxx suspects in New Taipei school slashing; MOHW: Disseminators face max fine of 150,000" (in Chinese). New Taipei. Central News Agency (CNA). Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  39. ↑ Min Wen-yu (December 28, 2023). "Netizens furious and flood Facebook! "Alliance to End the Death Penalty" speaks out: Violence cannot stop violence". ETtoday. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.

See also

This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.