2015/03/17
Focus Taiwan March 16, 2015: Prominent forensic expert to help probe Taiwan prison hostage case
Kaohsiung authorities have asked renowned forensic scientist Henry Lee (李昌鈺) to assist with the investigation of a prison hostage crisis in the city last month that ended with the six hostage takers -- all inmates -- committing suicide.
Speaking to reporters after a speech in Taipei on Monday, Lee said he is reviewing documents related to the case and is expected to discuss the case with Kaohsiung prosecutors and police on March 19.
Because he has several speeches and forums to attend, the Chinese-born American forensic scientist said he would only be able to review documents during his spare time and could not be sure when a result could be expected.
One of the world's foremost forensic scientists, Lee is visiting Taiwan at the invitation of Academia Sinica, Taiwan's top research institution.
Lee has worked on famous cases such as the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, as well as the post-Sept. 11 forensic investigation.
The Kaohsiung hostage crisis began on Feb. 11 when six inmates in the Kaoshiung Prison overtook guards and prison officials and stole rifles and handguns in a breakout attempt. more