"Why Favor My Brother?"... 40s Woman Who Killed Her 80s Mother Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

A woman in her 40s who killed her biological mother with a blunt weapon, claiming discrimination against her younger brother and herself, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

On the 30th, the Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Dong-sik) held the sentencing hearing for Jeong (49), who was indicted on charges of killing a direct ascendant, and sentenced her to 20 years in prison and 3 years of probation.

The court stated, "The victim died in extreme pain after an unexpected attack by her biological daughter Jeong," and added, "Killing a direct ascendant is a serious crime, and the method of the crime was brutal, making the nature of the offense very grave."

It further pointed out, "While harboring resentment that she was being ignored by her biological mother, Jeong exploded with hostility and anger after hearing trivial nagging, pouring hot water on the victim and striking her dozens of times with a frying pan and a pot, brutally killing her," emphasizing, "This is a serious crime that infringes on human life and dignity and must never be committed."

Jeong is accused of repeatedly striking her 80-year-old biological mother with a blunt weapon, causing her death, around 11:30 p.m. on July 20 at their home in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, because the mother criticized her.

Investigations revealed that Jeong had long harbored dissatisfaction because her mother discriminated against her and her younger brother since childhood. After the death of her spouse, she lived with her mother, which led to conflicts.

Jeong reported the crime to the police immediately after the incident and was arrested at the scene as a suspect.

At the previous sentencing hearing, Jeong’s defense argued that the crime was impulsive and pleaded for leniency. Jeong’s lawyer stated, "Although the crime was committed impulsively, there was no malicious intent," and requested leniency, citing that the defendant cared for and was responsible for the victim before her death. Jeong also said in her final statement, "I was intoxicated and not in my right mind." The prosecution demanded a 30-year prison sentence during the sentencing hearing.