The victim, surnamed Liu, was with her mother and headed to a metro station to meet up with relatives when she was attacked, according to a police statement.
The suspect, a 33-year-old man surnamed Wang, reportedly overpowered the child's mother and decapitated the child with a kitchen knife.
"The girl's mother rushed forward to pull Wang away, but he was stronger and pushed (her) aside," read the statement. "She died on the spot."
Wang was arrested at the scene of the crime and is currently in police custody. He has yet to enter a plea.
Police said Wang had been booked in the past over drug-related crimes. Taiwan's Apple Daily reported that Wang was unemployed and living with his parents and had been hospitalised due to mental health issues.
Taiwan's outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou called on authorities late today to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder, while police island-wide were instructed to increase patrols of neighbourhoods.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
