Sentenced to 9 Years in the First Trial
Extremely Poor Circumstances After the Crime, Including Evidence Destruction
The prosecution has requested a 15-year prison sentence for a man in his 20s who was sentenced to nine years in prison in the first trial for causing the death of his ex-girlfriend by giving her a drink containing narcotics (including charges of bodily injury resulting in death).
On April 23, during the appellate trial for A, held by the Daejeon High Court Criminal Division 1 (presided over by Chief Judge Park Jinwhan), the prosecution asked the court to sentence A to 15 years in prison for charges including bodily injury resulting in death.
A was brought to trial on charges of causing the death of his ex-girlfriend, B, in May of last year by giving her a drink laced with 3 grams of methamphetamine. The cause of B's death was determined to be acute methamphetamine intoxication. The typical single dose of methamphetamine is 0.03 grams.
A claimed that B had mixed the drugs into the drink and consumed it herself. However, the first trial court concluded that A had administered the drugs to B and sentenced him to nine years in prison.
During the appellate trial, which proceeded as both sides appealed, A's attorney argued that A did not force B to drink the beverage containing drugs and that B drank it voluntarily. The attorney also contended that even if A had administered the drink, it was not possible to foresee the likelihood of death.
The prosecution considered A's actions?administering a large amount of methamphetamine to the victim, resulting in her death?to be of particularly poor character and the outcome to be extremely grave. The prosecution further stated, "Given that A attempted to destroy evidence and other circumstances following the crime, the sentence handed down in the first trial is far too lenient."
The sentencing hearing for A is scheduled for May 30.
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