Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Husband in 'Gwanak-gu Mother and Child Murder Case'

Prosecutors: "No More Signs of Reflection or Repentance"
Cho: "I Am Also a Victim... I Want to Catch the Culprit"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The prosecution has demanded the death penalty for a man in his 40s who was put on trial for killing his wife and 6-year-old son.

On the 31st, at the sentencing hearing of Cho (42) held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 33 (Presiding Judge Donghwan Son), the prosecution made this demand and requested an electronic anklet monitoring order for 20 years.

The prosecution stated, "Cho took the lives of the victims in an unimaginably cruel manner and thoroughly concealed the crime afterward," adding, "Even during the victims' funeral time, he was betting on horse races and downloading movies, showing no remorse, repentance, or apology."

They further added, "We believe it is the judiciary's duty to hold Cho accountable for his inhumane acts."

In his closing argument, Cho's defense attorney said, "There is a lack of direct evidence proving the estimated time of death and that Cho is the perpetrator, and the evidence is insufficient to prove the crime," requesting, "Please acquit Cho and hope the real culprit is revealed."

Cho also pleaded not guilty tearfully in his final statement, saying, "I am also a victim who lost my beloved wife and son. I am a father who wants to catch the culprit more than anyone else. I am innocent."

Cho was put on trial on charges of killing his wife A (42) and son B (6) with a weapon between 8:56 p.m. on August 21 last year and 1:35 a.m. the next day at a multi-family house in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Police and investigative authorities identified Cho as the suspect, but no clear evidence such as the murder weapon or closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage was found at the scene to prove the charges.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that the crime occurred while Cho was at home based on the estimated time of death of the victims, but Cho's side denied the charges, stating, "When I left the house, my wife and child were both alive."

The court plans to hold the sentencing hearing for Cho on the 24th of next month.