'Shillim-dong Weapon Rampage' Transferred to Prosecution Tomorrow... Investigation Focused on Proving Premeditated Crime

Police to Transfer Chosun to Custody on 28th
Forensic Evidence Collection for Planned Crime Nearing Completion

In Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, the police are focusing their investigation on proving premeditated crime ahead of the transfer of Cho Seon (33, male), who wielded a weapon against unfamiliar men in their 20s and 30s, killing one and injuring three.

Suspect in the Shinlim-dong stabbing incident, Chosun (33).
[Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency]

According to the police on the 27th, the Gwanak Police Station plans to detain and transfer Cho, who is charged with murder and other offenses, on the 28th. Cho met the criteria for public disclosure of personal information under the Special Act on the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes due to the brutality of the crime, the severity of the victims' injuries, and sufficient evidence, resulting in the decision to release his name, age, and photo.

Cho is accused of wielding a weapon against unfamiliar men in their 20s and 30s near Exit 4 of Sillim Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 at 2:07 p.m. on the 21st. As a result, one man in his 20s died, and three men in their 30s were injured. Cho was urgently arrested around 2:20 p.m. on the day of the crime. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued on the 23rd.

Since Cho’s detention period expires at midnight on Sunday, the 30th, the police plan to transfer him on Friday, the 28th, before the weekend. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, if the police arrest a suspect, they must transfer the suspect within 10 days from the date of arrest, not from the warrant issuance date, or else the suspect must be released.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In the final stages of the investigation, the police are concentrating their efforts on proving Cho’s premeditated crime. The day before, the police secured a statement from Cho saying, "I searched for methods of killing, vital points, and types of weapons that kill people" before the crime. On the day of the crime, Cho stole two weapons from a mart, and the police have obtained a search warrant to seize his bank accounts to check whether he purchased other tools besides the stolen weapons.

There are also indications that Cho attempted to destroy evidence by damaging and resetting digital devices that leave search records. Forensic analysis of Cho’s phone revealed browser usage records from 5:58 p.m. on the 20th, the day before the crime, but no search records, call logs, messages, or photos related to the case were found. The police believe Cho reset his phone before that time. It was also confirmed that he smashed his frequently used computer with a hammer. The police are conducting forensic analysis on this PC as well.

The psychopathy diagnosis test, which had been postponed once, was conducted the day before after police persuasion. On the 25th, the police requested the psychopathy diagnosis test (PCL-R), but Cho repeatedly agreed and refused, eventually rejecting the test altogether, citing "complex emotions." It usually takes about 10 days to receive the test results. During the statement process, Cho has consistently claimed, "I have depression." However, the police confirmed through the National Health Insurance Service that Cho has no history of psychiatric treatment from 2013 until the 21st.