'Inha University Sexual Assault and Fall Death' First Trial Closed to Public... Court Accepts Victim's Request

Male student A (20), the perpetrator in the 'Inha University sexual assault and fall death case.'
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The first trial of the male student accused in the 'Inha University sexual assault and fall death' case was held behind closed doors.

The 12th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Chief Judge Im Eunha) conducted the first trial behind closed doors on the 13th for A (20), a first-year student at Inha University, who was detained and indicted on charges of quasi-rape murder under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

The victim's legal representative stated, "The case has been continuously reported by the media, and the bereaved family is deeply hurt by internet comments," and requested the court to hold the trial behind closed doors considering the deceased's honor, privacy, and the family's situation.

In response, the court decided to hold the trial behind closed doors, noting that the family does not want the case to be reported by the media and that the victim's privacy could be exposed during the trial due to the nature of the sexual crime.

On that day, A appeared in court wearing a yellow-brown prison uniform and answered questions about his date of birth and occupation in a low voice during the judge's examination, stating that he did not want a jury trial.

A was indicted on charges of causing the death of B, a first-year female student at the same university, by attempting to sexually assault her and causing her to fall from a five-story college building on the Inha University campus in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, in the early hours of July 15.

The police applied the charge of 'quasi-rape causing death' to A, as they could not prove intent to murder, but the prosecution applied the charge of 'quasi-rape murder,' recognizing implied intent to kill.

Implied intent murder is recognized when there is an anticipation of the possibility of death and an acceptance that death may occur.

The prosecution explained, "A, who was completely unconscious due to intoxication at the time, attempted to sexually assault B, who lacked self-protection ability, causing her to fall and die," adding, "The crime scene was 8 meters above ground level, with the window ledge directly connected to the outer wall, and the first-floor ground was asphalt, making it a structure where a fall could result in death."

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