On the afternoon of February 19, 2026, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office (CDPO) was notified by the First Precinct of the Chiayi City Police Department regarding a homicide. At approximately 10:00 AM that same day, a homeless man surnamed Zhang was found beaten to death in the pedestrian underpass in front of the Chiayi Railway Station in the West District of Chiayi City. Prosecutor Hsiao Shih-yung was assigned to lead the investigation, directing police to collect evidence at the scene and review surveillance footage. The Prosecutor subsequently issued arrest warrants for four suspects—surnamed Chen, Qiu, Lin, and Wu—all of whom have been taken into custody.

On the morning of February 20, Prosecutor Hsiao, accompanied by a forensic pathologist, conducted a preliminary examination of the deceased. The examination revealed multiple external injuries and contusions across the body, consistent with signs of a fatal beating. To exercise due diligence and determine the exact cause of death, a formal autopsy has been scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to be performed by a pathologist from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice.

The suspects (Chen, Qiu, Lin, and Wu) were transferred to the CDPO on the evening of February 20. Following overnight interrogation, Prosecutor Hsiao determined that the suspects are highly likely to have committed the crime of Harm Causing Death under Article 277, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code. Given the severity of the offense and the risk of flight or recidivism, the Prosecutor filed a motion for pretrial detention with the District Court at approximately 11:00 PM that night to ensure the integrity of the investigation, trial, and execution of the sentence.

The CDPO maintains a strict stance on law enforcement and is committed to investigating this case with speed and rigor. Simultaneously, the Office has activated a care mechanism in coordination with the Association for Victims Support (Chiayi Branch) to provide psychological support, necessary assistance, and companionship to the victim's family, thereby upholding social justice and protecting the lives, bodies, and property of the public.