[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A man in his 40s who killed his girlfriend over financial issues and concealed the body was sentenced to a heavy prison term.
The 11th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Ji-seon) on the 26th sentenced Mr. A, who is charged with murder and other offenses, to 28 years in prison and 3 years of probation.
Mr. A was indicted on charges of killing his girlfriend after an argument over her demand to repay 27 million won borrowed from her mother.
He lured his girlfriend onto a boat under the pretense of repaying the debt, and after an argument, struck her head with a wooden club, causing her death. He then dug a pit and buried the body to conceal it.
After the crime, he even lied to the victim’s mother, saying, "I gave money to my girlfriend, but she took it and went to Busan for a break."
He is also charged with fraud for obtaining financial gains amounting to 170 million won from a total of four people, including the victim’s mother.
The court stated, "Human life is precious and an absolute value. Murder, which infringes upon this, is a serious crime that cannot be remedied by any means. Punishment commensurate with this is necessary."
It added, "Considering the murder weapon, method, the location and depth of wounds, and the number of blows, the victim likely suffered extreme pain. The bereaved family is also petitioning for severe punishment, having suffered great shock and sorrow, leaving wounds difficult to heal for a lifetime."
However, the court noted, "The defendant fully admitted to the crime and is remorseful. There is no evidence of premeditation in the murder, and the defendant only has a prior record of two fines, which were taken into consideration in sentencing."
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