40s Father Who Wielded Bladed Weapon at Wife and Stepdaughter Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison

Stepmother's Daughter "Hit by a Cup, Not a Weapon," Defended Her
Court Rules "Considering Various Circumstances, a Weapon Was Used"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 40s who attempted to kill his wife and stepdaughter with a weapon was sentenced to prison.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Hwan-seung) announced on the 20th that it sentenced Mr. Jo, in his 40s, who was indicted on charges of attempted murder, to four years in prison.

Mr. Jo was indicted on charges of attempting to kill his wife and stepdaughter with a cup and a weapon during an argument at his home in Guro-gu, Seoul, on March 7.

Immediately after the incident, the stepdaughter testified to the police that she was stabbed by the weapon wielded by Mr. Jo. However, when she appeared in court as a witness, she changed her statement, saying she was only hit with a cup and was not stabbed with a weapon. Regarding her police statement, she said, "I do not remember."

However, the court judged that the victims were injured by the weapon based on the testimony of the doctor who treated Mr. Jo’s wife on the day of the incident, stating there were "wounds caused by a weapon," and the presence of bloodstains on the weapon used by Mr. Jo.

The court considered the stepdaughter’s reversal of her testimony in court as an attempt to downplay the facts at her mother’s request.

The court pointed out, "The method of the crime was very dangerous, and despite the clear evidence that the victims were stabbed with a weapon, the defendant denies it, raising doubts about whether he truly repents and regrets his actions."

However, the court added, "The fact that the victims do not wish for punishment and that Mr. Jo has no prior criminal record were taken into account as favorable factors in sentencing."