Court Sentences Stepfather to 22 Years in Prison for Killing 5-Year-Old Stepson with Wooden Sword

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] A man in his 20s, who was charged with killing his 5-year-old stepson by hitting him over 100 times with a wooden sword, was sentenced to a heavy prison term.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Go Eun-seol) sentenced A (27) to 22 years in prison on the 15th for murder and other charges. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of a child abuse treatment program and was restricted from working in child-related institutions for 10 years.

The court pointed out, "The defendant claims he did not have the intent to kill his son, but after examining multiple witnesses and evidence, at least indirect intent to kill is recognized."

It added, "Strict punishment is inevitable to eradicate child abuse crimes," explaining the sentencing rationale.

Earlier, the prosecution had sought a life sentence for A.

A was arrested and indicted on charges of killing his first stepson B (5 years old at the time of death) by hitting his face, arms, and entire body over 100 times with a 1-meter-long wooden sword for more than 20 hours from September 25 to the next day last year at a villa in Michuhol-gu, Incheon.

He is also accused of confining B in the bathroom of the house for three days from September 16 last year and repeatedly assaulting him during that time.

During the trial, A admitted to child abuse charges but denied the intent to kill.

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