[Asia Economy Reporters Yoo Byung-don and Oh Gyu-min] A court sentenced an employee of a sports goods agency to 13 years in prison for killing a store owner who demanded repayment after the employee was found to have embezzled several hundred million won.
The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Andongbeom) announced on the 28th that it handed down this sentence and ordered five years of probation at the sentencing trial for Joo Mo (43), who was indicted on charges of murder and theft.
The court stated, "The victim likely experienced extreme fear and pain due to this incident," and added, "Considering the relationship between the defendant and the victim, as well as the motive and details of the crime, the defendant's culpability is very serious."
However, the court also said, "It took into favorable consideration that the defendant appeared to have committed the crime in a fit of rage during a dispute over debt repayment while in financial hardship, and that the defendant had no prior record of punishment more severe than a fine before this case."
Joo was arrested and indicted on charges of killing victim A (61) on September 8 last year around 4:30 p.m. after visiting A's residence to discuss repayment plans.
Joo joined B Sports, an official sales agency operated by A, around 2006, resigned after one year, and rejoined around 2010, working in logistics management while simultaneously running another sports goods store as a sole proprietor.
From around 2015 until August last year, Joo sold goods supplied by B agency to Chinese peddlers without going through official sales channels such as department stores, and repeatedly used the 378 million won in proceeds for personal living expenses and employee salaries.
When A discovered the embezzlement around the end of August last year, Joo promised to draft a repayment memorandum and have it notarized.
On or around September 8 last year, Joo visited A's residence with a loan of 20 million won, a certificate of seal impression, and a seal, and during discussions about debt repayment, became angry at A's remarks and committed the crime, according to the investigation.
Joo stabbed A in the neck with a weapon, then caught A as he tried to escape and strangled him for five minutes at the entrance, resulting in A's death.
Immediately after the crime, Joo is also accused of taking 261,000 won in cash from A's wallet.
Joo was tried on charges of robbery-murder for committing murder to avoid repaying debt, but the court judged that the evidence submitted by the prosecution was insufficient to recognize that the victim was killed for the purpose of evading debt.
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