60s Man Who Killed Cancer-Patient Wife Over Mother-in-Law Support Issue Sentenced to 15 Years in Appeal Trial

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] A man in his 60s who killed his wife after arguing over the issue of supporting his mother-in-law was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the appellate court as well.

On the 11th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Chuncheon Branch of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judge Park Jae-woo) dismissed the appeal of A (66), who was tried on charges of murder, and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, the same as the original sentence.

The court stated, "The original sentence does not appear to be unfairly heavy."

A is accused of strangling his wife B (59) to death last June during an argument over supporting his mother-in-law and economic rights.

B, who underwent cancer surgery in March of last year, was found to have lived alone after renting an apartment in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, in May of the same year.

A reportedly had conflicts with B over the issue of support after his elderly mother was left to live alone.

On the day of the incident, A visited B's home and questioned her about "how she obtained the deposit for the lease." When B replied, "It is insurance money received from cancer surgery; what does it have to do with you?" A became enraged and strangled B to death.

After the crime, A jumped from the apartment and fell into a critical condition but survived. He was prosecuted on charges of murder after recovery.

The first trial court stated, "Murder is a serious crime for which the damage cannot be restored by any means and requires corresponding punishment," but also explained the sentencing by saying, "However, the crime was committed impulsively during a conflict over supporting the mother-in-law and economic rights, and considering that he jumped from the apartment out of remorse and is expected to live the rest of his life in regret and pain."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.