Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Myeong Jaewan, a 48-year-old teacher indicted for the murder of Kim Haneul, an 8-year-old first grader, at an elementary school in Daejeon.
On September 22, during a trial at the 12th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Byungman), prosecutors requested the court to sentence Myeong to death for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (kidnapping or luring for profit, etc.).
Prosecutors stated, "The victim's parents and family are hoping for the defendant to receive the harshest punishment, as they are experiencing unbearable pain," adding, "The defendant brutally murdered an innocent child. Although he has submitted dozens of letters of remorse, he showed no sign of reflection during the investigation."
A psychiatric evaluation, conducted at Myeong's request, concluded that he was in a diminished mental state at the time of the crime. However, prosecutors countered that, based on consultation with a forensic psychiatrist during the investigation and Myeong's behavior before and after the crime, he was fully aware of the meaning and consequences of his actions and was not in a diminished mental state.
The court stated, "Although there are conflicting opinions among experts, we will not be bound or swayed by one side," and added, "Whether diminished capacity applies is a discretionary mitigating factor under the law, so we will carefully determine whether the crime was committed under diminished capacity and whether this warrants a reduction in sentence."
Myeong's attorney said, "We offer our deepest condolences to the victim's family," and requested leniency, stating, "This incident occurred because he did not receive timely psychiatric treatment, and the psychiatric evaluation has proven that he was in a diminished mental state at the time."
In his final statement, Myeong said, "I deeply apologize to the bereaved family. I am sorry that such an unthinkable incident happened at a school, which should be the safest place, and that it was caused by a teacher. While receiving psychiatric treatment, my judgment was impaired and I was in a pathological state. I will reflect on my wrongdoing for the rest of my life."
Myeong was indicted for luring Kim, who was on her way home after finishing after-school care at the elementary school in Daejeon where he worked, into the audiovisual room on the pretext of giving her a book, and then fatally stabbing her with a weapon he had prepared in advance around 5 p.m. on February 10. He also faces charges for breaking a school work computer with his foot and assaulting a fellow teacher who suggested they leave work together four to five days before the crime.
The Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education convened a disciplinary committee in April and decided to dismiss Myeong. As he did not appeal the decision, his dismissal was finalized.
Since being indicted in April, Myeong has submitted 86 letters of remorse to the court. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 20.
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