Taoyuan: Chu Hsueh-chang, a former Taipei ward chief currently serving a six-year sentence for a previous assault conviction, has been indicted on charges of injury causing death. The indictment was issued by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office following an investigation into an incident that occurred in February 2025 at Taipei Prison, located in Taoyuan City.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chu and another inmate, identified by the surname Chang, were both housed in the Nursing and Care Center of the prison's Zhi-Shan Building. On February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:38 a.m., Chu allegedly became irritated with Chang for standing near his bed. In response, Chu reportedly used a walker to forcefully push Chang, resulting in Chang falling backward and hitting his head on the floor.

Following the incident, Chu allegedly ignored Chang's condition and went back to sleep instead of seeking medical help. Chang was later transported to Taoyuan General Hospital for emergency care. Although he was discharged on March 26, he required continuous assistance due to his injuries. On March 31, prison staff found Chang in distress and took him to the hospital once more, where he was pronounced dead later that night at 10:26 p.m.

Prosecutors have determined that Chang succumbed to head trauma and subsequent complications, which included intracranial hemorrhaging, brain contusions, brain damage, and bronchitis. They argue that Chu should have anticipated the potential for fatal injuries when he forcefully pushed Chang. Consequently, Chu has been indicted on charges of causing injury resulting in death.

Prior to this incident, Chu, who is also a martial artist, was convicted for a knife attack on a rival in 2016. After his prison sentence was finalized in 2020, Chu attempted to evade imprisonment by fleeing to China. He was eventually apprehended by Chinese authorities and extradited back to Taiwan to serve his sentence.