Woman Sets Fire While Watching Sleeping Boyfriend with 'Frequent Assaults'... 12 Years Imprisonment in First Trial

Stayed at the Fire Scene Until the End
"If the Fire Had Been Out, I Might Have Died," Statement

A woman in her 40s who suffered from dating violence was sentenced to a heavy prison term for setting fire to a house, resulting in the death of her partner.

The 1st Criminal Division of the Gunsan Branch of Jeonju District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Seong-min) announced on the 1st that A (42), who was arrested and prosecuted on charges of arson causing death of a dwelling, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

A is accused of setting fire to a detached house in Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, around 3 a.m. on May 11, killing her boyfriend B. It was investigated that A, who was drinking with B at the time, set the fire out of resentment after being assaulted by B.

While the fire was spreading, A reportedly did not call 119 and only watched the fire scene. Later, the police arrested A on the spot as she was sitting intoxicated near the burning house.

During the police investigation, A stated that she had suffered from B’s assaults for about five years since 2019, and it was reported that she was hit on her face and other body parts by B on the day of the crime as well. Regarding why she stayed and watched the house even after the fire started, A reportedly said, "Because the fire must not go out, if the fire had gone out, I might have died."

The court said, "Human life and dignity have an absolute value that no one can recklessly dispose of, so acts that infringe upon this are unforgivable," and added, "The defendant set fire to the house knowing that the victim was drunk and asleep, so the nature of the crime is very serious."

It also stated, "The victim lost a precious life due to the defendant’s crime, and the bereaved family also suffered a great wound that is difficult to heal for a lifetime," and "Considering that the defendant has made no effort to be forgiven by the bereaved family, severe punishment is inevitable."

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