Overview

• On July 29, Irene Gu, 23, was discovered dead in a Taipei cinema parking lot after she had publicly reported domestic abuse by her ex-boyfriend.
• Police arrested Liu hours later at his grandfather’s home, and during questioning he admitted killing Gu, claiming a dispute over NT$440,000.
• Gu had obtained a restraining order against Liu in May, but he never appeared in court and continued to pose a threat.
• Her social media posts, including complaint screenshots and messages showing abuse, had rallied public support and drawn attention to her plight.
• The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of Taiwan’s domestic violence laws and calls for improved victim safety measures.