Arson-Murderer of Neighbor in Sinwol-dong Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in First Trial, Prosecutors Appeal: "Extremely Malicious Crime"

Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty in Sentencing Trial

Jung (40), who killed a woman in her 70s living downstairs and then set fire to the scene, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial, prompting the prosecution to appeal. The prosecution had previously sought the death penalty for Jung during the first trial's sentencing hearing.

On the 30th, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office trial division (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jaeyeon) announced that it would appeal the first trial verdict against Jung, who was indicted on charges of murder and arson of a dwelling. Jung was sentenced to life imprisonment on the 24th in the first trial. A prosecution official explained the reason for the appeal, stating, "The crime is extremely heinous, as he brutally murdered an elderly victim who was completely innocent and then committed arson to destroy evidence," adding, "Considering the motive and method of the crime, his antisocial tendencies are clear, and he has not been forgiven by the victim's family."

According to the prosecution, Jung was arrested and indicted on charges of murder and arson of a dwelling for killing Ms. A, a woman in her 70s living on the lower floor of a multi-family house, and setting fire on the evening of June 14 around 8 p.m. He also stole Ms. A's money to use as funds for fleeing. Jung was apprehended at a motel in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, at 12:22 a.m. on June 18, four days after the crime. During police interrogation, Jung stated that the crime was committed due to disputes over inter-floor water leakage, but the prosecution believed that after water leakage occurred around December last year, Jung harbored resentment toward Ms. A, and when his lease was about to expire in June, making it impossible to continue living there, he was consumed by hatred and committed the crime.

During the previous sentencing hearing, the prosecution sought the death penalty for Jung, but the court sentenced him to life imprisonment on the 24th, stating, "The death penalty can only be imposed when there are special circumstances that justify it to anyone." The court considered the severe physical and mental suffering the victim likely endured and the mental anguish experienced by the bereaved family as aggravating factors, while the lack of premeditation and no prior criminal record except for fines were taken as mitigating factors. Immediately after the sentencing, the victim's family expressed their hope that the prosecution would file an appeal. Ms. A's daughter said, "This sentencing result is unfair, and the family wants the death penalty."