US Lawyer Sentenced to 25 Years in First Trial for 'Wife Murder'... Court Calls Crime Method Brutal

A former attorney from a major law firm in the United States, who was tried on charges of murdering his wife, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the first trial.

Lawyer A accused of killing his wife in the United States. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Heo Kyung-moo) sentenced Mr. A, a U.S. lawyer who was detained and indicted on charges including murder, to 25 years in prison on the 24th. Previously, the prosecution had sought a life sentence for Mr. A.

The court stated, "Considering various circumstances and the related evidence, it is fully recognized that the defendant struck the victim with a blunt weapon and strangled her to death." The court also pointed out, "The method of the crime is extremely brutal. People do not die so easily, and ordinary people cannot imagine beating someone until they die," adding, "Beyond the brutality of the crime, the defendant committed this crime while the victim’s son was nearby, making him hear the sounds of his mother dying."

Mr. A was detained and indicted last December for repeatedly striking his estranged wife’s head with a blunt weapon and strangling her to death at their home in Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Initially, Mr. A claimed it was an injury resulting in death, but on the 3rd, just before a recording of the crime was played in court, he reversed his position and admitted to murder by implied intent.