After Domestic Violence, 70-Year-Old Husband Sentenced to Heavy Punishment for Killing Wife

Court Does Not Recognize Diminished Mental Capacity

A man in his 70s who repeatedly assaulted his wife for over 20 years and ultimately killed her was sentenced to a heavy prison term.

On the 14th, the Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Eastern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Jeong-hyung) sentenced Im Mo (71), who was charged with killing his wife by striking her with a blunt object (murder), to 14 years in prison.

The court stated, "The nature of the crime is severe, including the brutal killing of a spouse," and pointed out, "Even after the crime, the defendant neglected to take protective measures for the victim and only considered his own safety."

It further explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "However, we took into account the defendant’s admission of the crime, the defendant’s and victim’s children’s wishes for leniency, and the defendant’s advanced age."

Im claimed diminished mental capacity due to intoxication at the time of the incident, but this was not accepted.

Earlier, Im was brought to trial on charges of killing his wife by striking her with a blunt object during an argument at their home in Eungbong-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, around 9 p.m. on April 29. It was investigated that Im became enraged and committed the crime after mistakenly believing that his wife had reported his domestic violence to the police.