Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Murderer of Mokdong Siblings' Parents... Defendant Responds, "Death Penalty? Understood"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Kim Mo (31), who is accused of killing three family members, including his parents and older brother, at his home in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, in February this year.

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held the second trial session for Kim, who was indicted on charges of killing his ascendants and murder, at 2:10 p.m. on the 17th.

At the trial, the prosecution stated, "This was a brutal crime in which the perpetrator planned the act and mercilessly killed his sleeping parents and older brother," adding, "Considering the method of the crime, motive, and risk of reoffending, he must be permanently isolated from society, and the court must decide on the right to life and death," and requested the death penalty. Since the defendant admitted all charges in the previous trial, the prosecution's sentencing request was made during this session.

In the final argument, Kim's defense attorney claimed, "He was continuously abused by his parents since his school days, which ultimately led to this crime," and "According to the psychiatric evaluation, he committed the crime in a state of diminished mental capacity due to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, so we ask for leniency in sentencing."

When the court asked Kim for his opinion on the prosecution's sentencing request, he replied, "Is it the death penalty? I understand," and "I admit all facts related to the crimes."

Kim was arrested and indicted on charges of stabbing and killing his parents and older brother multiple times with a weapon, believing that he was abused by his family and that his life was not special and had failed because of them. After the crime, Kim himself called 119. When the police arrived at the scene, it was confirmed that the three family members, including Kim's parents and older brother, were already deceased.

Meanwhile, the sentencing for Kim is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on the 31st.