TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police officers in New Taipei on Friday (Dec. 9) received a report that a corpse was discovered in a rental apartment in Sanchong District.

Police arrived on the scene and discovered that the body belonged to a woman surnamed Wang (王), who was in her 50s. The woman had lived with her daughter, a woman in her 20s surnamed Lin (林), who said that Wang had died in her sleep three months ago.

However, police suspect from the condition of the body that the time of death was closer to six months ago, reported LTN. Reports describe the condition of the body as dried and sallow, like a mummy.



Wang's body was reported by the landlord, who came to investigate the property after the tenants failed to pay their rent for the third month in a row. After entering the property, which smelled heavily of smoke and incense, the landlord discovered the mother’s body in the bedroom.

When asked why she did not report the death of her mother sooner, Lin said it was because of religious reasons, reported UDN. The police do not currently suspect foul play, but they will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of death.

Lin told officers, “Three months ago, we both went to bed. Then, the next morning, she had passed away.” Lin reportedly said Wang asked her not to disclose news of her death, with Lin also saying she expected her mother to come back to life.

Police suspect Lin is suffering from serious mental problems. Lin’s father, the husband of the deceased, was reportedly contacted by authorities seeking information in their investigation.