Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man in His 60s Who Shot and Killed Son After Birthday Celebration

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Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for a man in his 60s who was indicted for killing his son with a homemade firearm after the son prepared a birthday meal for him.

According to the legal community on December 9, prosecutors requested the death penalty for Mr. A (62), who was arrested and indicted on charges of murder, attempted murder, and violation of the Act on the Safety Management of Guns, Swords, and Explosives, during the sentencing hearing held the previous day at the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Kim Gipung).

A prosecution official explained, "The defendant attempted to kill other family members and acquaintances after murdering his son," adding, "We are seeking the death penalty due to the heinous nature and gravity of the crime."

The sentencing hearing for Mr. A is scheduled to take place at the Incheon District Court on February 6 next year in the afternoon.

Mr. A was arrested and indicted for fatally shooting his son, Mr. B (33), who had organized his birthday party, by firing two shotgun rounds from a homemade firearm at their apartment on the 33rd floor in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, at approximately 9:31 p.m. on July 20. He is also charged with attempting to kill four other people present in the home at the time: his daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and an acquaintance of his daughter-in-law, using the same homemade firearm.

It was confirmed that Mr. A had planned the crime since August of the previous year, learned how to manufacture homemade firearms and automatic ignition devices via YouTube, and even modified live ammunition he had purchased 20 years ago to increase lethality.

At his home in Dobong-gu, Seoul, authorities found 15 flammable items, including PET bottles filled with thinner, as well as ignition devices. The timer was set so that a fire would ignite the day after the murder.

Investigations revealed that, after divorcing due to his sexual assault offense, Mr. A continued to receive financial support from his ex-wife and son despite having no steady job. However, when the support ended at the end of 2023, he struggled to cover entertainment and living expenses.