Prosecutors Arrest and Indict Motel Owner for 'Yeongdeungpo Building Owner Murder Conspiracy'

A motel owner in his 40s was brought to trial for instructing a parking attendant employed at his motel to kill a building owner with whom he was involved in a real estate dispute.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th, the Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Seo Won-ik) announced that motel owner Jo (44) was arrested and indicted on charges including instigation of murder.

Jo is accused of instructing Kim (33) to kill an octogenarian building owner, Mr. A, on the rooftop of a building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on November 12 last year. Kim, who has an intellectual disability, had been working as a parking attendant at the motel operated by Jo.

It was confirmed that Jo had been in conflict with Mr. A since September 2022 over issues related to the Yeongdeungpo public housing redevelopment. The prosecution found that Jo meticulously planned the crime by instructing Kim to purchase weapons and masks, and by adjusting the direction of the CCTV at the murder location.

After being transferred to the prosecution, Jo denied the crime, claiming, "It was only an impulsive solo act by Kim, and since I was in a business partnership with Mr. A, there was no reason to instigate murder." However, the prosecution investigated the motive related to the property dispute between Jo and Mr. A and referred the case to trial.

In addition, Jo is also charged with exploiting Kim’s labor and embezzling money under the pretext of 'motel room rent' (violations of the Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act, and quasi-fraud).

Jo took advantage of Kim’s trust and obedience by making him take on restaurant work as well, and it was investigated that Jo embezzled 500,000 to 600,000 won monthly from Kim’s disability benefits. It was also revealed that Jo did not pay Kim any wages for three years and four months.

A prosecution official stated, "We plan to support the victim’s family members and ensure their participation in the trial to provide testimony," adding, "We will do our best to maintain the prosecution so that the defendants receive sentences commensurate with their crimes."