"I Admit It" Brutal Murder Over Money... Trials Resume One After Another Next Week

Gangseo-gu Apartment Neighbor Murder Case
Guro Road Curb Elderly Murder Case

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The trials of individuals who brutally murdered others to seize money and valuables will resume next week. Since all suspects have admitted to the charges, there is a possibility that the prosecution's sentencing recommendations will proceed swiftly.

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) will hold the second trial session on the 10th for Park Mo, a man in his 40s, who was indicted on charges of trespassing and murder during robbery.

Park's side admitted all the charges during the first trial and stated that they do not wish for a jury trial.

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

Park learned the password to A's house and was secretly searching through items when the victim returned. He then killed A and stole 1,928,000 won in valuables before fleeing.

The police responded to a report from a visiting social worker who said, "I cannot reach A," and found A deceased inside the apartment. It was reported that A's hands and feet were bound at the time of discovery.

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

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The following day, on the 11th, the Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Sang-joo) will conduct the second trial session for Choi Mo (42), who was indicted on charges of murder during robbery and violation of the Narcotics Control Act.

Choi also admitted to all charges during the first trial.

Choi, a Korean-Chinese, was arrested and indicted for assaulting a man in his 60s in front of a park in Guro-gu around 6 a.m. on the 11th of last month while under the influence of methamphetamine, stealing 476,000 won in cash, and killing him by hitting him with a road curb stone.

Additionally, Choi is charged with assaulting an elderly man in his 80s who was collecting scrap with a handcart nearby while fleeing the scene.

During the trial, the prosecution requested a closed trial, stating, "During the evidence review, CCTV footage showing the crime scene must be played. The footage is clear and very brutal as it was filmed up close."

It was also confirmed that the prosecution requested a psychological evaluation of Choi. Choi's defense attorney has also requested a psychiatric assessment.

Meanwhile, since both defendants admitted to the charges during their first trials, there is a possibility that the prosecution's sentencing recommendations could be made as early as the second trial session.