Man in His 40s Sentenced to Life for Killing Family Due to Financial Hardship... Judge Delivers Tearful Verdict

Presiding Judge Reads Sentencing Statement in Tears
Killed by the Parents They Loved... Court: "Unforgivable"

The court has sentenced a man in his 40s to life imprisonment for killing his wife and two sons due to financial hardship.

The appearance of Ji Mo, who was arrested on charges of killing his wife and children out of despair over financial difficulties. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 19, the 12th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Park Jaesung) sentenced Ji Mo (49), who was indicted on charges of murder and abetting suicide, to life imprisonment.

Ji was accused of driving his car, with his wife and two high school-aged sons inside, into the sea at Jindo Port (Paengmok Port) in Imhoe-myeon, Jindo County, South Jeolla Province, in the early morning of June 1, resulting in their deaths. Before committing the crime, he gave his family sleeping pills, while he himself escaped through an open window and survived.

Afterwards, an acquaintance responded to Ji's call, provided him with a vehicle, and Ji fled to Gwangju, where he was apprehended 44 hours after the incident. During his escape, he did not once contact the police or fire department to request rescue for his family.

The court stated, "The victimized sons likely never imagined that the parents they loved most would kill them," and added, "This is a grave crime that cannot be justified for any reason." The court further emphasized, "The sight of the sons' bodies was nothing short of tragic."

Notably, the judge became emotional and was unable to continue reading the sentencing statement at times.

Previously, Ji's side submitted a petition for leniency during the trial, but the court rebuked him, stating, "There is no room for excuses in the face of such a horrific crime."

Investigations revealed that Ji had worked as a rebar worker at construction sites and had accumulated about 200 million won in credit card debt, in addition to being behind on 30 million won in wages for day laborers. However, it was found that his family had been making travel plans and hoping for a normal life until the very last moment, adding to the sense of tragedy.