2014 Taipei Metro attack — the full case file

Cheng Chieh chose the subway's longest stretch between stations, buying himself three to five minutes to attack. On 21 May 2014, Cheng Chieh, a 21-year-old university student, stabbed random passengers on a Taipei Metro train between Longshan Temple and Jiangzicui stations, killing four people and injuring 24. He was convicted of murder and attempted murder and executed on 10 May 2016. On May 21, 2014, Cheng Chieh carries out a stabbing attack on a Taipei Metro Bannan Line train between Longshan Temple and Jiangzicui stations, killing four passengers and injuring 24. On May 22, 2014, Suspect taken to New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for questioning; detention approved by New Taipei District Court. President Ma Ying-jeou condemns the attack. On May 23, 2014, Legislative Yuan releases joint statement calling for increased security on metro systems, railways and airports. On May 27, 2014, Cheng Chieh's parents publicly apologize at Jiangzicui Station and call for a quick death sentence for their son. On July 21, 2014, Cheng is indicted by the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on four counts of murder and 22 counts of attempted murder. On March 6, 2015, Taiwan New Taipei District Court finds Cheng guilty on all counts and sentences him to death for each murder count. On August 7, 2015, New Taipei District Court orders Cheng to pay approximately NT$30 million to ten victims of the attack. On January 7, 2016, Taiwan High Court rules Cheng owes an additional NT$61.39 million to victims and their families. In April 2016, Supreme Court hears Cheng's final appeal, the first time a death-penalty defendant personally appeared before Taiwan's Supreme Court for such an appeal. On April 22, 2016, Supreme Court issues final ruling upholding all previous decisions, including the death sentence. On May 10, 2016, Justice Minister Luo Ying-shay signs the execution order at 17:00; Cheng Chieh is executed at 20:47 the same day. The case is recorded as solved. This case file is kept in memory of Hsieh Ching-yun, Chang Cheng-han, Lee Tsui-yun, and Pan Pi-chu. The full sourced case file, with every fact cited, is at casepin dot org.

Transcript from the video’s narration track. For every source, open the case file.