Killer Throws Weapon at Lover... Victim's Father Says "I Still Forgive My Daughter-in-Law" [Seocho-dong Legal Story]

On the early morning of November 6 last year, in the defendant's appeal trial for allegedly killing his lover by throwing a weapon, the victim's father pleaded for leniency.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

"Who raised their hand?" (Judge)

In court, Chief Judge Choi Suhwan of the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 13 asked a man who repeatedly raised his hand. "I am the victim's father." The man's voice trembled as he took the microphone. It was the appeal trial of Ms. A (27, female), the fianc?e who killed his son.

The man pointed to the defendant's seat and sobbed, "That child must be heartbroken too. Please, I beg you to forgive that child. I have forgiven first."

◆A fight that started from a minor quarrel... tragedy caused by a flying weapon

At around 3 a.m. on November 6 last year, in an officetel in Gyeonggi Province, a drinking party was in full swing at the home of B's (then 26 years old) friend to celebrate Ms. A's birthday and introduce each other. Ms. A and Mr. B were engaged to be married.

However, under the influence of alcohol, Ms. A bit Mr. B's hand, which made Mr. B very angry and started a verbal fight. This escalated beyond slapping to a physical fight. Ms. A became furious at Mr. B, who hit her hard, and eventually took out a weapon from the kitchen of Mr. B's friend's house. Ms. A swung the weapon saying "Apologize," injuring Mr. B's forehead and hand.

Mr. B also tried to continue fighting. A friend tried to separate them by spreading his arms. At that moment, the weapon flew into Mr. B's chest. It was thrown by Ms. A. The friend immediately called the police, but Mr. B passed away around 6:25 a.m. that day. The police who arrived at the scene arrested Ms. A on the spot.

At the time of the incident, the distance between Ms. A and Mr. B was 185 cm, and the width of the middle entrance door between them was only 69 cm, according to the investigation. Mr. B's friend testified to the investigation agency, "When I was trying to separate them, something flew in front of my face." The prosecution indicted Ms. A on charges of murder.

The first trial sentenced her to four years in prison. The court judged that Ms. A had intent to kill and did not accept the claim of diminished mental capacity. It was considered that she threw the weapon knowing well that Mr. B could be hit in the narrow space. However, the court also stated, "It appears to be a crime committed impulsively, and artificial respiration was performed on the fallen victim or 119 was called for rescue measures," and "considering her attitude of self-reproach and remorse."

◆"I hate the crime, not the person"... victim's father's plea for leniency

Both the prosecution and Ms. A appealed the first trial verdict. The prosecutor said, "This is a serious crime where the defendant threw a weapon strongly at the chest of the victim, who was her lover, in a narrow space, resulting in death," and "the original sentence is too light."

On the other hand, Ms. A's lawyer emphasized, "The victim is truly unfortunate. A trivial lovers' quarrel led to such a ridiculous and tragic outcome," and "the defendant is willing to accept any sentence but hopes to be recognized that there was no intention to kill the victim."

Mr. B's father also appeared in the appeal court and unusually pleaded for leniency as the victim's bereaved family. Mr. B's father said, "That child is still my daughter-in-law. If the unfortunate accident had not happened with my son, she would have lived as my daughter-in-law for life," "I hate the crime, not the person," and "Because of one moment of wrong mistake, that child will live with a broken heart forever." he sobbed.

In her final statement, Ms. A said, "I am truly sorry to everyone who was harmed because of me. I am also very sorry to the victim," and "Father, your heart must hurt so much, and I am very sorry and grateful that you have tried for me." She added, "I will reflect every day and live repaying the grace I received from father, mother, and parents." The appeal verdict is scheduled for the 14th of next month.