Prosecution Seeks Life Imprisonment for Man in His 50s in Hyochang-dong Stabbing Case

by Jeong Donghoon

Published 20 Jul.2020 13:36(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The prosecution has demanded a life sentence for a man in his 50s who killed one person and injured another by wielding a weapon at a couple walking down the street.

On the morning of the 20th, at the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Lee Dae-yeon), during the sentencing hearing of Bae Mo (54), the prosecution stated, "It is appropriate for him to live with a repentant heart while being permanently isolated from society, and there is a need to protect the community from such brutal crimes," and requested a life sentence.

Bae is accused of stabbing victim A to death with a weapon in the parking lot of an apartment in Hyochang-dong, Yongsan-gu, around midnight on January 26. He was also charged with assaulting A’s partner B, causing injury (murder and special injury).

According to police investigation, Bae approached A, who was walking down the street, and provoked a dispute by pushing A’s shoulder twice. He then went into his nearby home, retrieved a weapon, chased after A, and killed him.

Bae’s defense denied the intent to kill A, claiming that A died after falling onto the weapon Bae was holding during a physical struggle. They also argued that Bae was in a state of diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime due to anger control disorder and bipolar disorder.

The prosecution pointed out, "The defendant clearly had the intent to kill and admitted to stabbing during police and prosecution investigations," adding, "This is sufficiently supported by CCTV footage and the death certificate." They continued, "Nevertheless, the defendant denies the crime instead of admitting it and sincerely reflecting on it."

On this day, Bae expressed remorse through a prepared letter, saying, "I came here because I caused the death of an innocent life," and apologized, stating, "If released, I will definitely quit drinking and receive psychological treatment. I am sorry."