6 out of 9 Jurors Vote for Life Imprisonment
Court Weighs Crime as More Impulsive than Premeditated
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The court sentenced Kang Yoon-seong (57), who is accused of cutting off his electronic ankle bracelet and murdering two women, to life imprisonment.
On the 26th, the 12th Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Jong-chae) sentenced the defendant Kang, who was tried by a jury trial on seven charges including robbery murder, murder, fraud, obstruction of official duties, violation of the Act on Electronic Monitoring Devices, violation of the Specialized Credit Finance Business Act, and violation of the Telecommunications Business Act, to life imprisonment.
The jury trial is a system in which randomly selected jurors aged 20 or older participate directly in criminal trials. The jury's decision has advisory effect on the court.
The jurors deliberated and discussed sentencing for about two hours from 8:40 p.m. that day, ultimately finding Kang guilty and deciding on life imprisonment after sentencing discussions.
The court stated, "Considering the defendant's statements acknowledging each criminal fact and the lawfully investigated evidence, all criminal facts are recognized as guilty," and added, "The jury's verdict on the guilt or innocence of the criminal facts was unanimous with all nine jurors agreeing on guilt."
The court added, "Among the jurors, three voted for the death penalty and six for life imprisonment, so the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment."
The court said, "The defendant admits all criminal facts and shows remorse, and the murder of victim Kim appears to be more impulsive than premeditated. Considering various circumstances, it is difficult to conclude that there are specific reasons justifying the deprivation of the defendant's life itself." It also stated, "The death penalty is a severe punishment that deprives human life itself and is an extremely exceptional penalty in civilized countries."
Earlier, the prosecution requested the jury and the court to sentence Kang to death, arguing that the murder was a 'premeditated crime.' The prosecution stated, "He took the lives of several innocent people, and there is no guarantee that there will be no further victims, so we have no choice but to make a severe demand."
In his final statement, Kang said, "I deeply apologize to the victims and their families," and added, "I will repent and reflect while wishing for the deceased's happiness."
Kang murdered a woman in her 40s who was with him at his home on August 26 last year and damaged his electronic ankle bracelet the next day. On August 29 of the same year, he murdered another woman in her 50s and then surrendered himself at the Songpa Police Station in Seoul.
Meanwhile, Kang initially expressed his intention not to have a jury trial at the first hearing held in October last year but changed his position at the second hearing. At that time, Kang stated, "I want the jury to make an objective judgment because the facts of the indictment, such as the motive for the murder and the intent, are distorted," expressing his hope for a jury trial.
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