Police have revealed a haunting twist after a Taiwanese influencer was found dead in a hotel bathtub last month.
Hsieh Yu-hsin, a 31-year-old influencer who had amassed more than 548K Instagram followers, was found dead around 1:40PM on October 22 at a luxury hotel on Jalan Conlay in Kuala Lumpur, according to The Star.
The New Straits Times reported that the case was initially treated as a sudden death before being escalated to a full homicide investigation.
Iris Hsieh, 31, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia on October 22. Credit: Facebook/Iris Hsieh
Rapper Namewee Was Last Seen With The Victim
Authorities confirmed that Malaysian rapper Namewee, 42, was the last known person to have been with Hsieh before she died. The two were reportedly in the same hotel room at the time of the incident.
According to Datuk Fadil Marsus, head of Kuala Lumpur’s police, Namewee was arrested later that same day for alleged possession and use of drugs, after police reportedly found pills believed to be ecstasy.
He was released two days later, on October 24, after pleading not guilty to the charges at Jalan Duta Court, The Star reported.
Tests reportedly found amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC in his system, per BBC. However, Namewee has denied taking any drugs, insisting in a translated Instagram statement that “at most I’ve been drinking more recently.”
He also expressed regret over Hsieh’s death, writing that he felt “deeply sorry” and alleging that the ambulance “was nearly an hour late.” He added that the "truth will come out" when the police report is released, which should still take "two or three months".
Police Have Spoken Out
Officer Fadil confirmed that investigators have collected CCTV footage and taken statements from hotel staff, security guards, and airport personnel in an effort to piece together the events leading to Hsieh’s death.
“Investigations are ongoing from all angles, including individuals who were last with the victim,” Fadil said. “We will review all movements of both the victim and the suspect to determine whether he is a suspect.
"It’s a comprehensive investigation examining every movement of both the victim and the person last seen with her," he added. "We expect to make an arrest soon and will provide updates from time to time.”
The influencer was reportedly in the hotel with local rapper Namewee when she died. Credit: Instagram / irisirisss900
Influencer Known For Bold Stunts
Hsieh had built a large following across Asia for her risque posts. In one headline-making stunt last year, she was filmed removing her red thong in an Ikea store and using it to tie her hair into a ponytail.
As police continue their investigation into what is now being treated as a murder case, they’ve emphasized that no one has been formally named as a suspect.