Wife Stabbed to Death After Argument... 4-Year-Old Son Witnessed
Court Sentences to 13 Years in Prison
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A man in his 30s who stabbed and killed his wife with a weapon in front of their 4-year-old son has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Supreme Court.
On the 3rd, the Supreme Court's First Division (Presiding Justice Kim Seon-su) announced that it dismissed the appeal of A (34), who was charged with murder, and upheld the original sentence of 13 years in prison.
Earlier, A was accused of stabbing and killing his wife B (then 40 years old) with a weapon during an argument while drinking with B and acquaintances at his home in Jung-gu, Incheon, in May of last year.
Investigations revealed that A thought his wife B was acting flirtatiously toward an acquaintance during the drinking session, which led to an argument. Feeling disrespected, he ultimately committed the crime.
A stabbed B with a weapon in front of their 4-year-old son, who witnessed his mother’s death.
It was also reported that A had frequent disputes with B due to financial difficulties caused by debt. Additionally, A had committed domestic violence against B multiple times, prompting police intervention on several occasions.
During the trial, A claimed, "I was intoxicated and do not remember. I had no intention to kill B."
However, the first trial court rejected this, stating, "A recalled and testified about the circumstances of the crime in considerable detail," and "The victim suffered fatal injuries from an unexpected attack by her husband, whom she loved and relied on, and died in pain."
The court further explained the sentencing by saying, "The psychological trauma experienced by the young son and the confusion he will likely face during his growth are expected to be significant." Nevertheless, considering that A reached an amicable agreement with B’s mother, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The second trial court also upheld the first court’s decision, stating, "A, while intoxicated, felt disrespected and acted out, losing control and committing this act in front of his young child," and "This act is unacceptable under any circumstances, and A must be held responsible."
Afterward, A appealed, but on the 3rd, the Supreme Court ruled, "Considering A’s age, character, environment, relationship with the victim, motive, means and outcome of the crime, and circumstances after the crime, there is no reason to deem the 13-year prison sentence unjust," and dismissed the appeal.
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