Prosecutors Seek 24-Year Prison Sentence for 88-Year-Old Father With Dementia Who Killed Son While Drinking

Prosecution Requests Probation Citing Seriousness and Risk of the Case

Prosecutors have requested a 24-year prison sentence for an 88-year-old father with dementia who fatally stabbed his son with a weapon while drinking at home.

Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office. Yonhap News Agency

According to the Uijeongbu District Court, on this day, the 11th Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Oh Changseop) held a trial for 88-year-old defendant A, who has been indicted and detained on murder charges. Prosecutors asked the court to sentence A to 24 years in prison and also requested an order for probation. The prosecution stated, "Given the seriousness of the case and considering all circumstances, there is a risk, so we are also requesting probation."

A is accused of stabbing and killing his eldest son, B, who is in his 60s, with a weapon at an apartment in Goam-dong, Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, at around 6:40 p.m. on December 21 last year. After seeing B collapsed, the mother informed the second son, C. C checked the CCTV installed in the home and reported the incident to the fire authorities. B was transported to a nearby hospital but ultimately died.

At the time of the incident, B was reportedly living with his parents. Police believe that A committed the crime following a verbal argument that broke out while drinking on the day of the incident.

Due to his advanced age, A has appeared in court in a wheelchair and wearing a headset because of hearing problems. It is also reported that, due to dementia, he was unable to properly answer the court's questions. The prosecution requested a psychiatric evaluation for A, which resulted in a postponement of the trial date. However, several hospitals reportedly concluded that an evaluation was not possible due to his dementia.

At a previous hearing, A's defense attorney argued, "It is unclear whether the victim took his own life," and "the defendant maintains that he did not stab the victim." The attorney also appealed for leniency, citing A's advanced age and poor health.

In contrast, A's second son, C, testified as a witness, stating, "When I checked the CCTV at the time, my father's hands were stained with blood, and my brother was lying face down on the sofa." He added, "The autopsy also showed that the wounds were not self-inflicted."

During his final statement, A briefly responded, "I have nothing to say." The sentencing hearing for A is scheduled for the afternoon of the 24th.