"Did Not Target Other Family Members," Defendant Claims
Bereaved Family Requests Closed Trial
Court Does Not Grant Request
A man in his 60s who killed his son with a homemade gun after his ex-wife stopped providing him with living expenses admitted to some charges during his first trial, but denied attempted murder and related accusations.
A man in his 60s, who planned the crime after his ex-wife stopped providing living expenses, admitted to some charges but denied attempted murder and other accusations during his first trial in connection with the case where he killed his son with a homemade gun at a dinner party held on his birthday. Yonhap News
At the first hearing held on September 19 by the 13th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Gipung), the defense attorney for the defendant, Mr. A (62), stated, "We acknowledge the charges of illegal possession of a firearm and murder." However, regarding the charges of attempted murder against other family members and a foreign tutor who were present at the scene, the attorney argued, "There was no intent to kill."
Additionally, regarding the charge of attempted arson of an occupied building for allegedly preparing flammable materials and an ignition device in advance, the attorney said, "While the act itself is acknowledged, since it did not reach the stage of actual execution, it should be legally considered as preparation rather than an attempt."
On this day, Mr. A appeared in court wearing a light green prison uniform and calmly answered the court's questions regarding his name, date of birth, and other basic personal information. When asked about participating in a jury trial, he stated, "I do not wish to request one."
The legal representative for the victim's family requested, "If the specific details of the case are released, the bereaved family may suffer unbearable psychological distress. To prevent secondary harm and to protect their privacy, we ask that the trial be held privately." The defendant's side also agreed and formally requested a closed trial for the same reasons.
However, the court responded, "While we sympathize with the family's difficulties, there are insufficient grounds under current law and precedent to make an exception to the principle of a public trial." The court added, "If necessary, protective measures may be considered as the proceedings continue, depending on the situation."
The prosecution plans to call the victim's spouse and a German national tutor who were present at the scene as witnesses for the next trial. The next hearing is scheduled for October 20.
The incident took place around 9 p.m. on July 20 at a high-rise apartment in Songdo International City, Incheon. Mr. A is accused of killing his son, Mr. B (33), by firing a homemade shotgun at a dinner prepared by his son for his birthday. At the time, five people were present, including his daughter-in-law, grandchild, and a foreign tutor, and Mr. A reportedly attempted to shoot at them as well.
It was also revealed that Mr. A had prepared flammable materials and an ignition device at his home in Dobong-gu, Seoul, in preparation for an explosion. According to police investigations, he had referenced videos on YouTube and other sources about making homemade firearms and explosives, and had been preparing for the crime since last year, conducting several test firings.
After a past conviction for a sex crime led to his divorce, Mr. A had been unemployed and had relied on monthly financial support from his ex-wife and son for a long time. However, after this support was cut off at the end of last year, he gradually developed extreme thoughts and, consumed by delusions that his ex-wife and son were deliberately ignoring and deceiving him, ultimately decided to commit the crime.
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