[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] It has been confirmed that Lee Eun-hae (31), who is on trial for the 'valley murder' case, scored above the threshold in a psychopathy test.
The 15th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Chief Judge Lee Gyu-hoon) conducted witness questioning on the 26th during the 11th trial of Lee and her accomplice Cho Hyun-soo (30), who were indicted on charges including murder and attempted murder. Six witnesses appeared on behalf of the prosecution, including crime psychology expert Professor Lee Soo-jung from Kyonggi University and counseling psychology specialist Professor Lee Ji-yeon from Incheon National University.
Professor Lee Soo-jung explained in response to the prosecutor's question, "You have conducted a psychopathy test on the defendant, correct?" by answering "Yes," and added, "The test was conducted based on 20-item scoring criteria using investigation records, past criminal records, and lifestyle records without meeting the subject (Lee Eun-hae) in person."
She continued, "The defendant's score was very high, at 31 points," adding, "In English-speaking countries, 30 points is the standard, and in Korea, a score of 25 or above is considered to indicate serious personality issues."
Professor Lee Soo-jung stated that Lee Eun-hae not only exhibited psychopathic tendencies but also had narcissistic personality problems characterized by self-centeredness. "She scored full marks in two areas, including antisocial traits," she said, "and her interpersonal relationships and lifestyle formed an exploitative relationship with the victim. The high score was also due to the fact that she did not survive through her own economic activities."
In a previously submitted opinion letter to the prosecution, Professor Lee assessed that Lee and the victim had an exploitative relationship mediated by money, which became entrenched, leading the victim to act in extreme compliance with Lee's demands.
She analyzed, "The victim was inevitably subjected to mental domination and control by Lee," adding, "Although the victim could have appealed to her older sister or reported to the police, she was in a mental panic state that left no room for other possibilities."
The prosecution requested the court the day before to order the attachment of electronic location tracking devices (electronic anklets) and probation orders for Lee and Cho.
Lee was arrested and indicted on charges including the murder of her husband, Mr. Yoon, on June 30, 2019, at 8:24 p.m. in Yongsogyeok Valley, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, together with her lover Cho. The prosecution believes that they forced Yoon, who could not swim, to jump from a 4-meter-high rock into a 3-meter-deep valley pool without rescue equipment, resulting in his death. The prosecution also concluded that Lee and Cho planned the crime aiming for the 800 million won life insurance policy taken out in Yoon's name.
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