MRT killer sentenced to pay victims and families

[GunsForHire]

MRT killer sentenced to pay victims and families over NT$30 million

2015/08/07 21:25:27

CNA file photo

Taipei, Aug. 7 (CNA) The New Taipei City District Court Friday ordered Cheng Chieh (鄭捷), who killed four and wounded 22 in a Taipei mass rapid transit (MRT) train on May 21, 2014, to pay a total of NT$30.91 million (US$977,000) to 10 persons who are either victims or relatives of victims as compensation for their suffering.

Only 10 persons raised a civil suit against Cheng demanding compensation, because many victims and their families reckoned that Cheng's financial status would preclude him from paying the compensation.

The criminal court on March 7, 2015 sentenced Cheng, a university student in his early 20s, to death for manslaughter, while the civil division was still handling the civil suit filed by 10 persons, who demanded compensation for their losses in health and money, totaling NT$31.65 million.

The judge ruled that Cheng must pay the husband and two sons of Pan Pi-chu (潘碧珠), who died of a serious wound to the neck, a total of NT$16.66 million for medical and funeral expenses as well as compensation for their loss.

The seven other surviving victims who suffered differing degrees of wounds jointly filed the civil suit are supposed to receive compensation from Cheng, according to the court ruling.

Although the court will provide evidence of indebtedness to the victims and their families, it is highly unlikely that they will receive anything from Cheng, as the accused is said to have no property.

Meanwhile, Cheng has appealed to the High Court to review his death sentence.

(By H.S. Huang and Lillian Lin)