A 20-Year-Old Son with Only Memories of Beatings Sets Fire to Kill Father After He Falls Asleep

Daegu High Court Sentences 20 Years Imprisonment in Appeal Trial

Daegu High Court.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A man in his 20s, who said he only remembered being beaten by his father since childhood, set fire to their home. The sleeping father in his 50s died, and the son was sentenced to a heavy prison term in the appellate court as well.

According to the Daegu High Court on the 22nd, the 1-1 Criminal Division (Chief Judge Son Byung-won) sentenced Mr. A, who was indicted on charges including killing a family member, to 20 years in prison, the same as the original sentence.

Mr. A was prosecuted for allegedly pouring gasoline on the kitchen floor and setting it on fire while his father was asleep in an apartment in Daegu last July, causing his father's death.

It was revealed that Mr. A committed the crime with the intent to kill after his father scolded him for only touching his cellphone.

He reportedly testified to the prosecution that he had only memories of being beaten by his alcoholic father since childhood due to continuous abuse.

Mr. A said, "That day, after being scolded by my father, I set the fire with the intention of committing suicide."

Earlier, the first trial court stated, "The fact that the father was the target of the crime makes it highly condemnable as antisocial and inhumane," and "The method of setting fire in the apartment where the victim was sleeping, leading to death, is cruel."

The court also explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "The defendant consistently made incomprehensible claims," and "Considering that it was his first offense, his unfortunate childhood, and the fact that he was abused."

The appellate court ruled the appeal dismissal, stating, "The original sentence is reasonable and cannot be considered unfair."

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