Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man in His 40s Who Killed Neighbor to Cover Moving Expenses

"No sincere reflection, permanent social isolation needed"
Defendant: "Accidental crime... Sorry to victims and families"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has demanded the death penalty for a man in his 40s who was put on trial for murdering a female neighbor living in the same apartment to raise moving expenses.

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held a trial session on the morning of the 21st for Park, a man in his 40s, who was indicted on charges of trespassing and robbery-murder.

At the trial, the prosecution argued, "The defendant brutally killed a neighboring resident he usually called 'Imo' for his own financial gain," adding, "He also reversed his statements during the investigation and did not show a sincere attitude of remorse."

The prosecution further requested the court, saying, "It is judged that permanent isolation from society is necessary," and asked, "Please sentence the defendant to death." They also requested an order to attach an electronic tracking device.

Park expressed his final statement, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the victim and her family."

Earlier, Park’s side admitted all charges at the first trial held on June 22. Accordingly, the prosecution’s sentencing demand was expected at the second trial on the 7th, but the court decided to continue the trial.

This was because the prosecution requested an order to attach an electronic device to Park. The court judged that additional hearings were necessary, including listening to the defense’s opinion regarding the electronic device attachment order.

Park, who had been living on basic living benefits, was forced to leave the apartment in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, after his mother passed away. To raise moving expenses, he was arrested and indicted on charges of murdering his neighbor A, whom he had known through his mother.

Park learned the password to A’s house and was secretly searching through items there when the victim entered. He then killed her and fled after stealing 1,928,000 won in cash and valuables.

The police responded to a report from a visiting social worker who said, "I cannot reach A," and found A dead inside the apartment. It was reported that A’s hands and feet were tied at the time of discovery.

Based on CCTV footage, testimonies from nearby neighbors, and fingerprints at the scene, the police identified Park as the suspect and arrested him at a motel in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, in the same month.

Meanwhile, the sentencing trial for Park is scheduled to take place at 2:10 p.m. on the 5th of next month.

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