40-Year-Old Man Who Killed Neighbor to Raise Moving Expenses Admits Charges in First Trial

Neighbor Known to Mother Murdered, Stole Approximately 1.9 Million Won and Fled

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 40s, who was charged with murdering a female neighbor living in the same apartment in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, to raise moving expenses, admitted all charges at his first trial.

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held the first trial on the morning of the 22nd for Park, a man in his 40s, who was indicted on charges of trespassing and robbery-murder.

At the trial, Park's side admitted all the charges. He also stated that he did not want a jury trial.

Park, who was living on basic living benefits, was forced to leave the apartment after his mother passed away. To raise moving expenses, he was arrested and indicted on charges of murdering his neighbor A, whom he had known through his mother.

Park obtained the password to A's house and was secretly searching through items in A's home when the victim entered. He then killed the victim and fled after stealing 1,928,000 won in cash and valuables.

The police responded to a report from a visiting social worker who said, "I cannot reach A," and found A dead inside the apartment. It was reported that A was found with hands and feet tied.

Based on CCTV footage, testimonies from nearby neighbors, and fingerprints at the scene, the police identified the suspect as Park and arrested him at a motel in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, in the same month.

The next trial for Park is scheduled for August 10.