Kai Kai Case Timeline: Social Worker Chen Shang-jie Sentenced to 2 Years for Negligent Homicide

The case of childcare workers Liu Cai-xuan and Liu Ruo-lin, accused of torturing and causing the death of 1-year-old 'Kai Kai', has concluded with the Taipei District Court sentencing social worker Chen Shang-jie of the Child Welfare League to two years in prison for negligent homicide. Below is a timeline of key events in the Kai Kai case: -- In August 2023, Kai Kai's maternal grandmother, unable to care for him, referred him to the Child Welfare League for adoption. The Child Welfare League, through its matching mechanism, contracted Liu Cai-xuan for full-day care. -- From September 1, 2023, Liu Cai-xuan and Liu Ruo-lin allegedly committed torture, unlawful restraint, and assault against 'Kai Kai'. -- On September 25, 2023, Chen Shang-jie conducted her first visit, observing bruises on 'Kai Kai's' forehead. -- On October 23, 2023, Chen Shang-jie conducted her second visit; 'Kai Kai' had lost significant weight and appeared fearful. -- On November 20, 2023, Chen Shang-jie conducted her third visit; 'Kai Kai' lost three teeth overnight. -- On December 24, 2023, 'Kai Kai' was found unconscious and rushed to the hospital, where he died from severe injuries. -- On April 18, 2024, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office concluded its investigation. Liu Cai-xuan and Liu Ruo-lin were indicted on charges of child endangerment resulting in death, intentional torture of a child causing death, and intentional injury of a child resulting in death. The case was handled under the National Judge system. -- On April 18, 2024, the Taipei District Court held a detention hearing, ordering the continued detention and prohibition of contact for the two defendants. -- On August 27, 2024, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office concluded its investigation into Chen Shang-jie's negligent homicide case, indicting her on charges including document forgery and negligent homicide, requesting a heavy sentence. -- On January 6, 2025, Chen Shang-jie's negligent homicide case went to trial at the Taipei District Court, where she denied fabricating visit records. -- On April 9, 2025, Liu Cai-xuan and Liu Ruo-lin were also indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for allegedly torturing two other young children. -- On May 7, 2025, during the trial, the prosecutor requested life imprisonment for Liu Cai-xuan and 16 to 18 years imprisonment for Liu Ruo-lin. The trial concluded its arguments. -- On May 13, 2025, the Taipei District Court sentenced Liu Cai-xuan to life imprisonment and Liu Ruo-lin to 18 years imprisonment. -- On July 1, 2025, both Liu Cai-xuan, Liu Ruo-lin, and the prosecution appealed. The Taiwan High Court began hearings, ordering continued detention. -- On December 22, 2025, during the High Court's final arguments, the judge scheduled the verdict for January 27, 2026. Liu Cai-xuan and Liu Ruo-lin stated they would not attend the sentencing. -- On January 27, 2026, the High Court rejected the appeals, upholding the life sentence for Liu Cai-xuan and the 18-year sentence for Liu Ruo-lin. -- On February 26, 2026, closing arguments were heard in Chen Shang-jie's negligent homicide case. -- On March 15, 2026, Kai Kai's biological mother filed a civil lawsuit seeking NT$8 million in damages from the childcare workers, the Child Welfare League, and the social worker. The civil division of the High Court will handle the case separately. -- On April 16, 2026, the Taipei District Court sentenced Chen Shang-jie to two years in prison for negligent homicide. She was found not guilty of document forgery.