TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Authorities in New Taipei have launched a homicide investigation after a body was discovered in a suitcase in Xinzhuang District late Monday night.
The suitcase, reportedly emitting a strong odor, was found in a drainage ditch at the end of a narrow alley off Xintai Road. Upon inspection, officers discovered the decomposing body of an adult male wrapped in a black plastic bag, per CNA.
Police said recent rainfall may have compromised potential forensic evidence. Initial assessments suggest the man was likely over 60 years old, bald, and had polio, which caused significant atrophy in both legs.
Investigators believe the suitcase was abandoned by someone familiar with the area due to the secluded nature of the site. A task force has retrieved footage from six nearby surveillance cameras and is reviewing it for suspicious activity.
Forensic personnel reported no visible signs of external injuries. However, the advanced state of decomposition prevented the collection of fingerprints.
Investigators estimate the man had been dead for more than a week before being discovered.
A forensic examination was conducted Tuesday, and prosecutors plan to perform a full autopsy. DNA samples have been collected to help confirm the victim’s identity.
Police are pursuing two primary lines of inquiry: identifying the deceased and determining who was responsible for leaving the body. Officials are cross-referencing missing person reports and urged anyone with missing family members to contact authorities and provide identification documents to assist with the investigation.
The case remains under active investigation.
