Husband is said to be responsible for death of wife in Taiwan, although the body has never been found.
The Case
- Case Name: Ku v. Herchen
- Court and Case Number: Santa Clara County Superior Court / 21CV376210
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, July 18, 2025
- Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, January 12, 2021
- Type of Case: Wrongful Death
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Beth McGowen
- Plaintiffs:
Weichiao Ku and Pi-Lien Kuo
- Defendants:
Harald Herchen
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $23,600,000
- Net Verdict or Award: $23,600,000
- Award as to each Defendant:$23,600,000
- Non-Economic Damages:Weichiao Ku: $11,300,00.00
- Pi-Lien Kuo: $12,300,000
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 9 days
- Jury Deliberation Time: 3 1/2 hours
- Jury Polls: 12-0
- Post Trial Motions & Post-Verdict Settlements: Motion for new trial and JNOV denied.
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Farling, Hecht & Davis LLP by Todd K. Davis, San Jose.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Law Office of Charles J. Smith by Charles J. Smith, Redwood City.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Katherine Putz, M.D., emergency room.
Tina Sugimoto, M.D., general practice medicine.
- Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Tal Lavian, Ph.D., computer systems and email systems.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background:Defendant Harald Herchen is an inventor who resided in Los Altos.Alice Ku's remains have not been found.
- The Santa Clara County DA’s office charged Herchen with seven counts of felony perjury related to the varying stories he told about the disappearance of his wife, Alice Ku.
- Defendant and his wife, Alice Ku Herchen, were in Taiwan when she disappeared on November 29, 2019.
- Plaintiff's Contentions:Plaintiffs (Alice's parents) contended their 37-year-old daughter, Alice Ku, was killed on November 29, 2019 in Taiwan by defendant Harald Herchen, after the two had spent the day sightseeing.
- That defendant then created and sent himself a forged email from Alice Ku's Gmail account in an effort to create an alibi and false cover. Plaintiffs were able to prove that Harald Herchen forged and sent himself the email, that he fractured his right hand the day Alice died and that he lied about his conduct that day and after.
- Defendant's Contentions:Defendant claims he did not kill his wife Alice Ku, and that she ran away.
Injuries and Other Damages
- Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:The death of Alice Ku.
Additional Notes
Defendant Harald Herchen has since been charged with seven counts of perjury related to his testimony in this case and the related probate cases. He has been released from custody on bail. A warrant for Harald Herchen's arrest is active in Taiwan. There is no extradition treaty between the United States and Taiwan.
Disclaimer
This is not an official court document. While the publisher believes the information to be accurate, the publisher does not guarantee it and the reader is advised not to rely upon it without consulting the official court documents or the attorneys of record in this matter who are listed above.
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