Li Wei Acted as Advisor in Murder Case, Changed to Defendant with 40,000 Bail

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office is investigating the case of a female Buddhist devotee, surnamed Cai, who was murdered last July at a Buddhist retreat in Taipei. The case involves Buddhist scholar Wang Yun (real name Wang Jiangzhen) and several devotees. Prosecutors had previously detained several individuals. As the investigation deepens, the role of former star Li Wei has become clearer. On the 24th, prosecutors summoned Li Wei and his wife again, changing their status to defendants. The police and prosecutors simultaneously searched their residence to further clarify the case.

Li Wei was present at the scene on the night of the murder and allegedly played the role of an “advisor”, not only instructing other devotees on how to deal with the police but also participating in the abuse of Ms. Cai. The investigation revealed that a devotee, worried about potential repercussions, secretly recorded Li Wei’s conversation, which became conclusive evidence of his involvement. The recording showed Li Wei advising devotees to claim they forgot or didn't remember when questioned by police, and not to disclose who was present during the corporal punishment, showcasing a highly meticulous thought process.

On the 24th, Li Wei and his wife were brought back for further questioning at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office as defendants. Faced with media inquiries, Li Wei remained silent. After the hearing, the prosecution ordered Li Wei to be released on bail of 300,000 NTD (approximately 40,000 MYR) for causing harm resulting in death, while his wife was released on 150,000 NTD (approximately 20,000 MYR) bail.

Since the investigation began, including Wang Yun and three key accomplices, protectors Gan Ziyun, Liang Biyin, and You Xiuling, all deny the crime, claiming that it stemmed from a financial issue when Ms. Cai did not clarify accounts to Wang Yun, which led to them asking Ms. Cai to kneel and repent in front of a Buddha statue at a study meeting. However, it is understood that the so-called “kneeling and repenting” involved Ms. Cai kneeling for several hours. According to forensic examination results, Ms. Cai suffered multiple bruises and severe muscle damage and necrosis, determined to be caused by over-exertion, leading to rhabdomyolysis and death.