Prosecutors Achieve Breakthrough in Long-Term Unsolved Sexual Violence Cases Through DNA Database Investigation

'Jinju Serial Killer' Crime Solved After 20 Years... Leading to 10-Year Prison Sentence Conviction

The prosecution identified the perpetrator of a serious sexual violence case, including special robbery and rape, that occurred over 20 years ago through an investigation utilizing the DNA database, securing a guilty verdict.

The Criminal Division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office revealed that it uncovered the special robbery and rape crime committed 23 years ago by 'Jinju serial killer' A, who is currently serving a life sentence, and recently secured a 10-year prison sentence in court after indictment, the office announced on the 23rd.

In November last year, the prosecution conducted a focused investigation using DNA identification information on serial sexual assault offender Kim Geun-sik, which led to the discovery and indictment of additional sexual crimes that occurred about 15 years ago. Building on this, they collaborated with the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation of long-unsolved sexual violence cases with the perpetrator's DNA left at the scene until June of this year.

As a result, a total of 11 individuals, including the Jinju serial killer, were indicted. So far, 9 of them have been sentenced or had their verdicts finalized, while 2 are undergoing first trial proceedings.

The prosecution explained that by utilizing scientific investigations based on the DNA database, they swiftly indicted sexual offenders who were about to be released or whose statutes of limitations were nearing completion, ensuring that the defendants receive clear punishment for their crimes.

A prosecution official stated, "The prosecution will continue to actively pursue scientific investigations using the DNA database and thoroughly carry out prosecutions so that even after a long time has passed, perpetrators are tracked down to the end and receive criminal punishment commensurate with their crimes, thereby striving to ensure public safety and realize justice."