Miaoli city: The Miaoli District Court has sentenced a repeat offender, Chiu Ming-chih, to 29 years in prison for committing indiscriminate stabbing attacks that injured two elementary school girls and a man. The attacks took place in Miaoli City in October 2025.
According to Focus Taiwan, the court found Chiu, in his late 40s, guilty of attempted murder of minors, attempted murder, and driving under the influence of drugs. Chiu's harsh sentence was influenced by his recent release from prison, where he served time for a previous attempted murder conviction related to a 2015 multiple stabbing case. The ruling is open to appeal.
On the morning of October 2, Chiu reportedly consumed methamphetamine before taping a 30-centimeter knife to his hand and riding a scooter in search of victims. His first attack targeted an elementary school girl, whom he stabbed in the neck and chest. The girl managed to escape to a convenience store, where Chiu then stabbed a man before attacking a second school girl. All three victims survived after receiving emergency medical care.
The court identified Chiu as a repeat offender, citing his prior conviction and recent release. His actions were deemed malicious, and he was found to lack rehabilitation. Despite Chiu's claims of impulsive actions due to emotional issues and drug use, the court determined he had sufficient awareness and control, negating any sentence reductions.
The court highlighted the cruelty of the attacks, emphasizing the violation of the victims' rights and the significant public alarm generated by the incident. The male victim's wife expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, arguing that a life sentence would more effectively deter similar crimes. She noted her husband's severe injuries and ongoing health issues, voicing concerns about Chiu's potential early release.
Meanwhile, a teacher who intervened to protect one of the children called for increased monitoring of former offenders. The Miaoli District Prosecutors Office is considering an appeal after reviewing the written verdict.