Chen Chin-hsing was born in 1958 in Taiwan.

In April 1997, Chen Chin-hsing, along with accomplices Lin Chun-sheng and Kao Tien-min, kidnapped 16-year-old Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese actress Pai Bing-bing. The kidnappers demanded a ransom, but despite the family's efforts, Pai was found murdered days later, her body mutilated and dumped in a canal.

Following this, Chen and his accomplices embarked on a crime spree that included multiple kidnappings, rapes, and murders. In August 1997, during a police encounter, Lin was killed, and in November, Kao committed suicide when confronted by authorities.

On November 18, 1997, Chen broke into the home of South African military attaché Colonel McGill Alexander in Taipei, taking the family hostage for approximately 21 hours. During the standoff, both Colonel Alexander and his daughter Melanie were shot and injured. Negotiations, involving prominent figures like politician Frank Hsieh, eventually led to the release of the hostages and Chen's surrender.

Chen was subsequently tried and convicted on multiple counts, including murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. He was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on October 6, 1999.