"After Release, Employment Will Be Difficult" Lawyer Even Worried About Murderer's Pocket Money

Seoul Gangseo-gu Apartment Neighbor Murderer Trial Date
Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty and Electronic Ankle Bracelet Order
Defense Attorney: "Although Testimony Was Reversed, Ultimately Admitted"

Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The stance presented by the man in his 40s, who was indicted and sentenced to death for murdering a neighboring woman living in the same apartment to raise moving expenses, has sparked public outrage in his final defense.

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held a trial session on the morning of the 21st for Park, a man in his 40s, who was charged with trespassing and murder during a robbery.

At the trial, the prosecution argued, "The defendant brutally murdered a neighbor he usually called Imo for his own financial gain," adding, "He showed no sincere remorse, even reversing his statements during the investigation process." They further requested the court to impose the death penalty, stating, "It is judged that permanent isolation from society is necessary." Along with this, they also requested an order for the attachment of an electronic tracking device.

In his final defense, Park said, "I sincerely apologize to the victim and her family." The controversial part was the statement made by Park’s defense attorney.

Park’s defense attorney explained, "The defendant did not have the intent to kill from the beginning; he only entered the victim’s house to steal valuables and committed the crime impulsively," adding, "When the victim came into the house, the defendant hid his body; if he had intended to kill, there would have been no reason to hide."

He continued, "The defendant hoped the victim would leave again, but when that did not happen, a regrettable situation occurred," and added, "Although the defendant had multiple prior violent offenses, it should not be judged that there is a risk of him committing murder again because of this."

He also stated, "The defendant has never been sentenced to imprisonment but only received suspended indictments or probation," and said, "Having worked steadily at a Chinese restaurant in his 20s and 30s, the defendant has lived diligently, and if an electronic device is attached, it will be difficult for him to find employment after release, causing economic hardship."

Furthermore, he argued, "It is true that the defendant reversed his statements regarding the amount involved in the crime during the investigation, but changes in statements during investigation procedures are common due to impatience or fear of punishment," and added, "Ultimately, he admitted everything, didn’t he?"

The court ended the trial without further remarks and scheduled the sentencing date.

Earlier, Park’s side admitted all charges at the first trial held on June 22. Accordingly, the prosecution’s sentencing was expected at the second trial on the 7th, but the court decided to continue the trial.

This was because the prosecution requested an order for the attachment of an electronic device to Park. The court judged that additional hearings were necessary, including hearing the defense’s opinion on the electronic device attachment order.

Park, who was living on basic living benefits, was arrested and indicted on charges of murdering his neighbor A, whom he had known through his mother, to raise moving expenses after his mother passed away and he faced eviction from an apartment in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

Park learned the password to A’s house and, while secretly searching through the house, killed the victim when she came in, then stole 1,928,000 won in valuables and fled.

The police responded to a report from a visiting social worker that "A could not be contacted" and found A dead inside the apartment. It was reported that A’s hands and feet were bound at the time of discovery.

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

Meanwhile, the sentencing trial for Park is scheduled to take place at 2:10 p.m. on the 5th of next month.